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WORDS  OF  THE  PAGEANT 


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THE  WORDS 
OF  THE  PAGEANT 

Philadelphia 
October  7-12,  1912 


By 


I 


FRANCIS    HOWARD  ^ILLIAMS 


With  notes  and  adaptations  to  the  field  by 
ELLIS  PAXSON  OBERHOLTZER 

Master  of  the  Pageant 


Cover  Design  and  Color  Studies  by 
CHARLES    H.  STEPHENS 


Historical  Pageant  Committee 
1912 


EID 


Copyright,  1912 

by 

ELLIS  PAXSON  OBERHOLTZER 


€pigobeS  of  tf)e  pageant 

PROLOGUE 

Exploration  and  Settlement 

EPISODE    I 

SCENE  I 
The  Coming  of  William  Penn 

SCENE  II 

The  Granting  of  the  Charter  to 
Pennsylvania 

EPISODE    II 

The  Return  of  the  Tea  Ship  "Polly" 

EPISODE    III 

SCENE  I 

Arrival  of  the  Delegates  to  the  Conti- 
nental Congress 

SCENE  II 

The  Declaration  of  Independence 

EPISODE    IV 

SCENE  I 

The  Battle  of  Germantown 

SCENE  II 
The  British  in  Philadelphia 

SCENE  III 
The  Meschianza 

11091.33 


I J 


The   Historical   Pageant 


EPISODE    V 

Franklin  at  the  Court  of  France 
EPISODE    VI 

SCENE  I 
The  Federal  Procession 

SCENE  II 

President  Washington  at  Gray's 
Gardens 

SCENE  III 
Echoes  of  the  French  Revolution 

EPISODE    VII 

The  War  of  1812 

EPISODE    VIII 

Lafayette's  Reception 

EPILOGUE 

The  Gathering  of  the  Districts 


tKfje  OTorbs!  of  tijc  pageant 


PROLOGUE 


INTRODUCTION 

The  arena  is  a  wide  meadow,  with  green  hanks  sloping  to  a  river.     Trumpets 
announce  the  Pageant.     A  Herald  rides  up  the  Held  and  pausing,  proclaims: 


Ye  who  would  learn  the  glory  of  your  past 
And  form  a  forecast  of  the  things  to  be, 

Give  heed  to  this  a  city's  trumpet-blast 
And  see  her  pictured  life  in  pageantry. 


A  mounted  knight  in  silver  armor,  typifying  the  spirit  of  exploration  and 
adventure,  silently  crosses  the  Held.  Sprites  enter  from  all  sides  and,  beckoning 
to  the  east,  disappear  as  quickly  as  they  came. 


CHORUS 

Here  where  the  river  is  breaking  its  heart  in  the  ocean 
Shall  come  mighty  leaders,  undaunted,  intrepid, 
Born  with  the  mien  of  command  and  the  power 
Far-seeing  and  silent. 


SEMI-CHORUS  (Remembrance) 

The  past  thro'  lessening  vistas  stretches  back 
Till  in  the  green  of  English  lanes  and  all 

The  lowland  meadows  and  the  Norse  fiords 
We  see  the  forbears  of  a  later  brawn. 


8  The  Historical  Pageant 

SEMI-CHORUS  (Aspiration) 

Rather  the  future  hath  the  nobler  view, 

For  see !     An  inward  prescience  opens  wide 

The  gateway  of  the  {^lories  yet  to  be — 

The  time  to  come  when  on  these  banks  shall  rise 

The  kindly  habitations  of  men  stron^^ 

To  wrest  from  nature  life's  beatitude. 

CHORUS 

Whether  in  memory  or  in  forecast,  here 
We  have  a  mighty  drama,  whose  large  scenes 
Enfold  the  birth  and  nurture  into  strength 
Of  a  great  people  fashioned  in  God's  ways 
To  bear  His  banner  forth. 

SCENE    I 

HISTORICAL   NOTE 

To  the  Dutch  is  accorded  the  honor  of  first  visiting  the  waters  now  known  as 
Delaware  Bay.  Henry  Hudson,  an  English  navigator  in  the  Dutch  service,  anchored  his 
j-^acht,  the  Halve  Maan  or  Half  Moon,  at  the  mouth  of  the  Bay,  on  August  28,  1609, 
before  proceeding  north  to  view  the  site  of  New  Amsterdam  or  New  York  and  for  the 
ascent  of  the  river  which  bears  his  name.  That  river  the  Dutch  soon  called  the  North 
River  and  the  Delaware  the  South  River.  Another  Dutch  boat  built  at  New  York 
of  only  16  tons  burden,  the  "Onrust"  or  "Restless,"  commanded  by  Captain  Hendrickson 
visited  the  Delaware  in  the  summer  of  1615.  The  first  Dutchmen  to  attempt  a  settle- 
ment on  the  South  River  were  members  of  a  party  brought  here  by  Captain  Cornelis 
Jacobsen  Aley,  (whence  Cape  May)  in  1623  or  1624.  He  came  to  the  present  site  of 
Gloucester,  N.  J.,  and  erected  a  stockade  fort  there,  called  Foi*t  Nassau,  which  was  the 
stronghold  of  the  Dutch  in  the  southern  parts  of  the  colony  of  New  Netherland  for 
many  years.  It  was  in  sight  of  the  forests  of  Passaiung,  Wicaco  and  Coquanoc.  In 
a  year  or  two  the  small  colony  which  was  planted  here  disappeared.  The  settlers 
and  fur  traders  of  which  it  was  composed  made  their  way  to  their  friends  on  Man- 
hattan Island.  A  number  of  the  directors  of  the  Dutch  West  India  Company  soon 
formed  a  syndicate  to  possess  themselves  of  and  utilize  the  lands  of  the  South  River. 
They  constituted  themselves  patroons  or  feudal  chiefs  of  the  country,  and  with  a 
view  to  actual  colonization  engaged  the  services  of  David  Pietersen  de  Vries  of  Hoorn. 
He  was  a  skipper  who  had  lately  returned  from  a  long  cruise  to  the  East  Indies.  The 
first  expedition  made  up  of  a  sloop  and  a  yacht  under  command  of  Captain  Peter 
Heyse  came  out  in  1631.  De  Vries  did  not  accompany  it.  The  party  landed  in  a  creek 
called  Hoern  Kill,  presumably  in  honor  of  Hoorn  in  Holland,  soon  corrupted  into 
Hoerkill  or  Horekill,  now  Lewes  Creek,  in  lower  Delaware  state.  Here  a  house  was 
erected  and  surrounded  with  palisades.  It  was  named  Fort  Oplandt  and  the  little 
settlement  was  called  Swaannendael  (the  vale  or  valley  of  the  swans).  The  principal 
objects  of  the  colonists  were  fur  trading  with  the  Indians,  particularly  in  beaver  skins 
which  then  abounded,  and  fishing  for  whales,  then  very  plentiful  in  the  bay  and  river. 
De  Vries  says  that  the  colony  numbered  two  and  thirty  men.  They  set  up  a  column 
bearing  the  arms  of  Holland  on  a  piece  of  tin.  Some  of  the  Indian  sachems  tore  down 
this  emblem  and  converted  the  tin  into  tobacco  pipes.  This  or  other  incidents  led  to 
ill  feeling  and  a  few  months  after  it  was  established  the  entire  colony  was  extirpated. 
De  Vries  was  about  to  start  for  America  with  a  second  expedition  when  news  reached 
him  of  the  massacre.  He  came  on  undeterred  by  his  discouraging  advices,  and  arrived 
before  the  half  burned  remains  of  Fort  Oplandt  early  in  16.33.  TJie  Lenni  Lenape,  or 
Delaware  Indians  who  frequented  the  river  banks,  were  at  the  time  at  war  with  the 
Mengwe  or  Minquas  or  Mingoes,  a  more  militant  tribe  settled  in  Maryland  and  in  the 
Susquehanna  country. 


The    Words    of   the   Pageant 


CAST   OF    CHARACTERS 

David  Pietersen  De  Vries,  skipper  and  patroon  of  Hoorn. 
Heyndrick  de  Liefde,  his  cousin,  of  Rotterdam. 
Peter  Heyse,  of  Edam,  captain  of  the  sloop  Walrus. 
GiLLiss  HossET,  commissary. 
Colonists,  with  mastiff,  cattle,  etc. 
Soldiers  and  sailors  with  guns  from  the  sloop. 

Indian    sachems — Sannoowouns,    Wiewit,    Pemhacke,    Mekowetick,    Mathomen, 
Sacook,  Anchoopoen,  Janquens,  Pokahake,  Sakimas,  Zeepentor,  etc. 

The  scene  represents  the  landing  of  the  Dutch  colonists  on  the  Delaware. 
The  Dutch  and  the  Indians  mingle  upon  the  Held. 

CHORUS 

See  how  the  Lenni  Lenape  make  friends  with  the  white  men, 

Trusting  with  faith  in  the  faith  of  a  stranger. 

Haply  not  always  dotli  Peace  spread  her  wings  so  benignly. 

When  men  of  one  race  come  together  to  barter  and  struggle 

In  life's  competition.     Behold,  through  the  greening 

A  bold  sailor  cometh,  De  Vries  the  intrepid. 

The  scene  becomes  animated.  It  represents  the  settlement  of  Swaannendael 
on  the  Horekill  or  Lewes  Creek.  The  Dutch  are  planting  their  colony.  Men 
are  seen  building  huts  and  carrying  utensils  and  materials.  Songs  of  old  Hol- 
land are  sung.  A  band  of  Indians  enter  and  salute  with  cries  of  "Itah!"  They 
join  the  Dutch  in  mqjiing  merry.  Captain  Heyse  gives  them  schnapps  which 
they  drink  and  call  it  "fire  zvater."  He  tells  them  that  the  stockade  shall  be  called 
Fort  Oplandt  and  the  settlement  Szvaannendael.  He  and  Hosset  raise  a  column 
on  which  is  placed  a  large  tin  sign  bearing  the  Dutch  arms. 

CHORUS 

Soon  shall  the  clouds  gather  ominous,  dark  and  forbidding, 
Soon  shall  the  peace  pipe  be  smoked  for  the  last  time. 
Soon  shall  come  discord  and  blood. 

While  the  Indians  play  reed  pipes  and  tambourines  in  their  frolic,  the  Dutch 
give  their  attention  to  the  river  and  move  off  toward  the  bank.  One  of  the  chiefs 
removes  the  tin  containing  the  painted  arms  of  Holland  and  begins  to  break  it 
up.  Soon  De  Vries  and  a  company  of  sailors  in  military  order  advance  up  th^ 
bank  accompanied  by  Heyse  and  his  company.  They  meet  the  chiefs,  zvho  seat 
themselves  with  the  Dutch  in  a  circle.  The  pipe  of  peace  is  smoked  and  the  Dutch 
are  seen  paying  for  the  land  in  merchandise  of  various  kinds.  As  the  negotiations 
draw  to  an  end,  the  troops  march  in  and  occupy  Fort  Oplandt.  The  Indians  ob- 
serve  them  closely  and  begin  to   manifest   signs   of  suspicion  and   discontent. 


10  The  Historical  Pageant 

Heyse  draws  De  Fries'  attention  to  the  missing  arms.  The  tin  is  discovered  in  a 
crumpled  conditioji  on  the  ground.  The  pipe  of  peace  is  broken  and  the  Indians 
leave  hurriedly. 

The  whites  get  ivithin  the  palisades.  Armed  men  are  seen  preparing  for 
defence.  Soon  there  is  heard  the  war-zvhoop  of  the  Lenni  Lenape.  They  rush 
in  and  attack  the  fort.  There  is  a  sharp  musketry  fire  from  the  palisades  which 
are  finally  assaulted  by  the  Indians.  The  Indians  carry  the  defences,  and  sounds 
of  massacre  are  heard  from  within.  De  Vries  is  seen  at  the  side  of  the  fort, 
giving  directions  to  a  horseman. 

De  Vries. — Ride  for  thy  life  to  the  friendly  tribe  of  the  Minquas.  Tell  them 
we  perish  at  the  hands  of  their  foes — the  tribe  of  the  Delawares.  They  are 
bounden  to  us  by  treaty,  and  will  come  forthwith  to  our  aid.  Now  ride — ride  for 
thy  life,  and  God  speed  thee. 

The  horseman  dashes  off  and  disappears  through  the  greenery.  Meanwhile 
the  Lenni  Lenape  set  fire  to  the  fort,  which  is  soon  burned  to  the  ground.  A  war 
dance  and  a  wild  chant  of  victory  follow.  An  occasional  musket  shot  from  be- 
hind the  palisades.     Sounds  of  wailing  and  cries  from  within. 

Finally  a  commotion  is  heard.  A  band  of  Minquas  rushes  in  and  attacks  the 
Lenni  Lenape.  A  furious  battle  ensues.  The  Dutch  and  Minquas  vanquish  the 
Lenni  Lenape,  who  are  driven  from  the  field,  dead  and  zvounded  being  left  upon 
the  ground.     The  men  of  De  Vries'  party  sally  from  the  ruins  of  the  fort. 


SCENE    II 

HISTORICAL  NOTE 

A  leading  influence  in  the  organization  and  direction  of  the  Dutch  West  India 
Company,  William  Usselinx,  involved  himself  in  disagreements  with  his  associates  and 
laid  proposals  for  a  new  company  before  the  great  Gustavus  Adolphus.  As  a  result, 
the  Swedish  West  India  Company  was  formed  in  1624.  Because  of  the  King's  con- 
tinental wars  the  plans  of  the  promoter  rested  for  several  years.  In  1632  Gustavus 
Adolphus  fell  on  the  battlefield  of  Liitzen,  leaving  the  government  in  the  hands  of  his 
little  daughter  Christina  and  his  chancellor  Oxenstierna.  The  company  at  length  made 
its  arrangements  for  the  colonization  of  the  lands  which  the  Dutch  company  had  been 
endeavoring  to  put  to  some  use.  Peter  Minuit,  who  had  been  Director  General  of 
New  Netherland  at  New  Amsterdam  from  1626  until  1632,  familiar  with  conditions  on 
the  North  and  South  Rivers,  was  employed  to  head  an  expedition  to  America.  He 
fitted  up  two  ships,  the  Kalmar  Nyckel  (Key  of  Kalmar)  and  the  Grip  (Griffin).  With 
soldiers,  colonists,  cattle,  implements  and  provisions  on  board,  they  reached  the  South 
River  after  various  adventures  and  delays  early  in  1638.  The  crews  were  half  Swedish 
and  half  Dutch.  The  colonists,  too,  were  divided  in  their  national  origin  and  fealty. 
The  Dutch  had  by  this  time  re-occupied  Fort  Nassau  at  or  near  the  present  Gloucester, 
N.  J.  They  forbade  the  Swedes  to  ascend  the  river  beyond  this  point.  They  protested 
against  Swedish  settlement  at  any  place  on  either  bank  of  the  great  river,  within  the 
boundaries  of  what  they  were  pleased  to  call  New  Netherland.  Minuit,  however,  entered 
Minquas  Kill,  renaming  it  Christina,  known  to  this  day  as  Christiana  or  Christeen 
Creek.  When  up  about  two  and  a  half  miles  from  its  mouth  he  disembarked 
at  "The  Rocks"  on  the  site  of  the  present  city  of  Wilmington,  and  built  stockades  which 
with  solemn  ceremony  he  christened  Fort  Christina.  Here  he  planted  his  colony.  In  a 
few  months  he  set  sail  for  home  by  way  of  the  West  Indies,  leaving  about  25  soldiers 
and  settlers  behind  him. 


The    Words    of   the   Pageant  II 

CAST    OF    CHARACTERS 

Peter  Minuit,  late  of  the  Dutch  West  India  Company,  now   director  of  the 

Swedish  West  India  Company's  expedition  to  the  South  River. 

Mans  Kling,  in  command  of  the  soldiery. 

Hendrick  Huygen,  commissary, 

Jacob  Evertssen  SandelinI 

\  ^  >  soldiers. 

Andres  Lucassen  J 

Jan  Hendricksen,  skipper  on  the  Kalmar  Nyckel. 

Michel  Symonssen,  first  mate. 

Andrian  Joransen,  skipper  on  the  Grip. 

Rev.  Reorus  Torkillus,  the  first  preacher  in  New  Sweden. 

Jan  Jansen,  Governor  Kieft's  representative  at  Fort  Nassau. 

Mattahoon,  Mitatsimint  and  other  Indian  chieftains 

Soldiers,  seamen  and  colonists  from  the  two  Swedish  ships. 

Dutchmen  on  the  staiY  of  Jan  Jansen  from  Fort  Nassau. 

CHORUS 

Now  come  to  these  shores  the  hardy  Swedes ; 

Here  do  they  found  their  town  of  Christina, 

Planting  the  name  of  a  Queen  in  the  Western  domain, 

Ready  to  fight  for  the  right  with  the  Hollander, 

Bringing  the  brawn  of  their  race  to  the  struggle  with  nature, 

Bringing  their  honest  endeavor  to  build  up  a  colony 

Strong  and  enduring. 

As  the  Chorus  is  chanting,  the  scene  is  changed  to  represent  the  settlement 
of  Fort  Christina.  Meantime  the  firing  of  cannon  is  heard  in  the  direction  of  the 
river.  The  Indians  run  douni  the  bcmk  and  for  a  little  time  disappear  from  view. 
They  return  laden  with  presents  in  token  of  further  purchases  of  lands.  The 
Swedes  noiv  march  up  the  bank  and  plant  posts  on  zvhich  are  the  letters  "C.R.S." 
(Christina  Regina  Sueciae.)  Torkillus  preaches  to  the  people  hrieUy  and  bids 
them  kneel.     Jan  Jansen  and  his  men  enter. 

Jansen. — In  the  name  of  Governor  Kieft,  the  representative  of  their  High 
Mightinesses  of  the  States  General  of  Holland,  I  protest  against  the  planting  of 
any  foreign  colony  in  New  Netherland.  Tliis  land  is  the  property  of  the  Dutch  by 
fair  purchase  sealed  with  their  blood.  (Addressing  Minuit)  On  you  will  fall  the 
blame  for  all  future  mishaps,  damages,  losses,  disturbances  and  bloodshed. 

Minuit  maintains  a  polite  but  unyielding  attitude,  and  the  Dutch  withdraw  in 
the  direction  in  which  they  came. 

Minuit. — Under  the  protection  of  the  great  princess,  virgin  and  electea 
Queen  of  the  Swedes,  Goths  and  Wends,  I  christen  this  land  New  Sweden.  Under 
the  protection  of  her  gracious  majesty,  I  name  this  fort  Christina. 

The  Swedish  arms  are  now  placed  upon  the  palisades  and  a  Szvedish  Hag  is 
raised  upon  a  pole  inside  the  works. 


12  The  Historical  Pageant 

SCENE    III 

HISTORICAL  NOTE 

The  Swedes  are  scarcely  seated  under  Dutch  protest  when  English  colonists  arrive 
from  New  Haven.  Their  coming  is  of  course  unwelcome  to  both  Dutch  and  Swedes. 
The  English  claims  based  upon  early  voyages  covered  the  entire  coast.  Lord  De  la 
Warre  was  thought  to  have  come  into  the  bay,  as  was  Samuel  Argall,  a  later  governor 
of  Virginia.  Possibly  they  may  have  done  so.  Anyhow,  the  Virginians  and  later  the 
English  everywhere  attached  De  la  Warre's  name  to  the  bay  and  the  river  flowing  into 
it.  Casual  and  intermittent  efiforts  had  been  made  by  English  shipmasters  to  trade 
with  the  Indians  and  to  found  settlements,  but  the  first  important  movement  to  this 
end  was  that  directed  by  a  so-called  Delaware  Company  in  which  George  Lamberton, 
Nathaniel  Turner  and  others  were  interested  persons.  Like  the  Dutch  and  Swedes, 
they  purchased  lands  from  the  Indians,  at  first  on  the  east  side  of  the  Delaware  at 
the  Varkin's  Kill  and  a  little  later  on  the  river  which  the  Dutch  called  the  Schuylkill. 
Some  twenty  families  of  60  persons — traders  and  tobacco  planters  from  New  Haven — 
were  brought  into  the  river.  The  Swedish  settlement  at  Fort  Christina  had  been 
increased  in  April,  1640,  by  the  arrival  of  a  second  expedition  under  Peter  Hollandaer 
Ridder  and  by  a  third  in  November  of  that  year  under  Joost  van  Bogaert.  Ridder  on 
his  side  in  behalf  of  the  Swedes  and  Jansen  still  in  command  of  Fort  Nassau  forthe 
Dutch,  expelled  the  English  on  the  Schuylkill  and  burnt  their  store  house  and  dwellings 
in  1642. 

CAST    OF    CHARACTERS 

George  Lamberton    1  .      r  .1     t^  1  r- 

_  )-aoents  01  the  Delaware  Company. 

Nathaniel  Turner  J 

Robert  Coxwell,  planter  and  seaman. 

English  colonists  of  both  sexes,  and  a  few  Indians. 

Swedes  under  Ridder  and  van  Bogaert. 

Dutch  under  Jansen. 

The  scene  shows  Lamberton' s  blockhouse  on  the  Schuylkill.  While  the  Eng- 
lish are  at  zvork  on  the  surrounding  lands,  Ridder  and  van  Bogaert  appear  with 
a  party  of  Swedes  from  Fort  Christina. 

Van  Bogaert. — What  is  that  standard  there,  right  worthy  Governor? 

Ridder. — That  is  an  English  ensign,  as  I'm  alive. 

Van  Bogaert. — And  here,  beside  this  fine  stream  that  empties  itself  into  the  great 

river  like  a  flagon  of  wine  down  the  throat  of  a  Dutchman. 
Ridder. — In  truth.     They  call  it  in  their  own  tongue  the  Schuylkill,  because  a 

dunderhead  of  a  Dutch  seaman  passed  it  by  without  seeing  its  mouth. 

What  say  you,  van  Bogaert,  to  English  neighbors? 

By  this  time  Lamberton  and  other  Englishmen  have  come  out  to  meet  the 
Swedish  party,  which  delivers  its  protest  in  the  name  of  their  queen.  Jan  Jansen, 
leading  a  Dutch  party,  is  seen  to  approach.  He  is  surprised  to  Und  the  Swedes 
on  the  ground  but  also  protests. 

Lamberton. — This  river  is  the  Delaware. 

Jansen. — This  is  the  Zuydt  River. 

Ridder. — This  land  is  New  Sweden. 

The  English  (shouting  angrily). — Indeed  it  is  not!     This  is  New  Albion! 

Jansen  and  His  Men. — New  Netherland ! 


The    Words    of   the   Pageant  13 

The  Dutch  and  Stvcdes  Oi^ree  toi^cthcr  to  expel  the  English,  and  drive  a 
pitiful  cavalcade  without  resistance  into  the  tvood.  They  then  set  fire  to  the 
blockhouse.  But  the  union  is  not  for  long.  Some  one  shouts  "New  Sweden!" 
Another  shouts  "New  Netherland!"  and  with  these  words  often  repeated,  they 
disappear  from  the  field  in  opposite  directions.  Some  Indians  who  have  been  wit- 
nessing the  scene  from  the  brush  nozv  come  forward  in  great  glee  at  the  prospect 
of  conflict  between  the  different  groups  of  white  invaders. 


SCENE    IV 

HISTORICAL  NOTE 

Dutch  and  Swedes  continued  their  mutual  claims  upon  the  river.  The  Swedes 
strengtliened  their  position  in  1643  when  they  sent  out  a  new  governor,  Johan  Printz, 
a  cavalry  officer — a  good  soldier,  a  tactful  diplomat,  and  with  it  all  an  ostentatious, 
a  rich  and  a  successful  colonial  adventurer.  His  wife  and  children  and  a  considerable 
number  of  Swedish  soldiers  accompanied  him,  and  he  at  once  began  a  campaign  for 
the  extension  of  the  sphere  of  Swedish  influence  on  the  Delaware.  Two  vessels  made 
up  his  expedition,  the  Fama  and  the  Swan,  which  reached  the  Delaware  in  January,  1643. 
Fort  Christina  was  too  far  removed  from  the  Delaware  to  be  useful  in  the  control 
of  the  navigation  of  the  river,  and  almost  immediately  the  construction  of  a  new  fort 
was  begun  at  a  point  well  south  of  Christina  on  the  east  side  of  the  river.  This  work 
was  called  New  Elfsborg.  Printz  himself  pressed  up  the  river  toward  the  Schuylkill 
and  built  a  fine  residence  called  Printz  Hall  on  Tinicum  Island.  Here  he  lived  in  a 
good  deal  of  splendor,  considering  the  restrictions  of  the  time.  The  Dutch  looked  on 
anxiously,  but  there  were  Dutch  settlers  in  New  Sweden  and  some  Swedes  doubtless  in 
New  Netherland.  Both  were  in  dread  of  the  English  whose  intermittent  incursions 
continued.  The  Dutch  opposition  ended  with  protest  but  other  days  approached.  In 
1645  Andries  Hudde  superseded  Jan  Jansen  as  commissary  at  Fort  Nassay  (Gloucester) 
beyond  which  no  Swedish  boat  might  go  without  being  fired  upon.  In  1647  Governor 
Kieft's  place  at  New  Amsterdam  was  taken  by  a  vigorous  administrator,  Peter  Stuy- 
vesant.  Disturbed  by  what  Printz  had  done  on  the  South  River,  particularly  in  lock- 
ing up  the  Schuylkill,  the  Dutch  in  1648  built  a  fort  on  the  north  side  of  the  Schuylkill 
near  its  mouth,  called  Fort  Beversreede,  because  its  object  was  to  control  the  beaver 
trade  on  that  river.  Printz  erected  a  block  house  directly  in  front  of  the  new  fort 
with  a  view  to  rendering  it  useless.  His  course  was  so  insistent  that  it  was  to  be 
borne  no  longer,  and  in  1651  the  Dutch  came  around  from  New  Amsterdam  in  force 
and  constructed  a  fort  on  the  west  side  of  the  river  below  Christina  and  north  of  the 
stockade  at  Elfsborg.  They  named  it  Fort  Casimir,  and  they  transferred  to  this  place 
the  garrison  and  the  cannon  which  had  defended  Fort  Nassau.  Meantime,  Printz  had 
appealed  again  and  again,  but  always  vainly,  to  the  Swedish  government  for  reinforce- 
ments. Unable  to  be  of  further  use,  as  he  believed,  he  departed  the  colony  after  an 
administration  of  ten  years,  in  1653,  taking  a  number  of  colonists  with  him.  He  left 
New  Sweden  in  charge  of  his  son-in-law  Johan  Papegoja.  After  the  party  had  gone 
and  some  deserters  to  other  colonies  had  been  subtracted  from  the  population,  it  is 
estimated  that  only  about  seventy  souls  remained  in  New  Sweden.  The  number  was 
soon  increased  by  a  couple  of  hundred  upon  the  arrival  of  a  new  governor,  John 
Classon  Rising.  His  policy  was  militant.  Coming  up  before  Fort  Casimir  he  demanded 
its  surrender,  which  was  soon  eflfected,  on  Trinity  Sunday,  1654,  for  which  reason  its 
name  was  changed  to  Fort  Trefaldighet  (Fort  Trinity).  Stuyvesant  immediately  made 
arrangements  to  avenge  the  high-handed  act  and  in  1655  returned  to  the  Delaware 
with  a  fleet  of  sufificient  size  to  retake  Fort  Casimir  and  advance  upon  Fort  Christina, 
which  also  fell.  The  Dutch  were  now  supreme  upon  the  Delaware  and  remained  so 
until  the  conquest  of  New  Netherland  by  the  English  in  1664. 


'daughters  of  the  Governor. 


14  The   Historical   Pageant 

CAST   OF    CHARACTERS 

In  Arriznng  Party: 
JOHAN  Printz,  the  Swedish  Governor,  an  immense  man  whom  the  Indians  called 

"the  big  tub"  (De  Vries  said  that  he  weighed  over  400  pounds — "over  de 

vierhundret  pondtwoeg"). 
Madame  Printz,  the  Governor's  wife,  who  was  Maria  von  Linnestau. 
Armegot  Printz,  later  Madame  Papegoj  a' 
Catherine  Printz 
Christina  Printz 
Elsa  Printz 
GuNiLLA  Printz 
Gustaf  Printz,  the  Governor's  son. 
Captain  Sven  Skute,  first  in  command  under  Printz. 
Rev,  John  Campanius  (Holm.)  Printz's  chaplain. 
Gregorius  van  Dyck. 
Other  Swedish  officers. 

In  Receiving  Party: 
Governor  Peter  Hollender  Ridder. 
Lieutenant  Mans  Kling. 
JoosT  van  Langdonk,  Commissary. 
Joran  Olsson,  Provost  Marshal. 
Rev.  Reorus  Torkillus,  the  preacher  of  the  colony. 
A  barber  surgeon,  swineherds,  planters,  soldiers,  carpenters,  and  Indians. 
Dutch   under   Sir   Peter   Stuyvesant   and   Andries  Hudde,  who  had   taken 

Jansen's  place  as  commissary  at  Fort  Nassau. 

CHORUS 

Minuit  passes  and  another  comes 
More  powerful,  more  full  of  state,  withal 
More  conscious  of  the  dignity  wherewith 
His  sovereign  hath  endowed  him. 
Comes  Printz  the  soldier  to  administer 
The  civil  law  to  all  who  dwell  within 
New  Sweden's  bounds. 

The  scene  shows  the  arrival  of  Printz's  party  at  Fort  Christina  early  in  the 
year  164^.  As  they  are  sighted  the  soldiers  in  the  fort  raise  the  Swedish  Hag  and 
Hre  a  salute.  The  Rev.  Reorus  Torkillus  gathers  his  little  Hock  around  him  and 
they  sing  a  psalm  as  they  go  dozvn  to  meet  their  country-people.  There  are 
shouts  of  welcome,  liandshakings,  a  waving  of  handkerchiefs  amd  banners.  In- 
dians peep  out  from  behind  the  trees.  Prints  advances  ivith  his  wife  and  children 
around  him,  attended  by  an  escort  of  brilliantly  uniformed  Szuedish  soldiers,  a 
trumpeter  and  a  drummer.  They  move  up  to  the  front  of  the  Held.  A  few  In- 
dians come  to  greet  them.     A  party  of  Dutch  are  seen  to  advance  also. 


The    Words    of   the   Pageant  15 


Printz. — Wliat's  he  that  comes  yonder  without  the  invitation  of  the  royal  gov- 
ernor of  New  Sweden? 

RiDDER. — They  are  Dutchmen,  your  excellency,  and  they  may,  methinks,  come 
hither  on  no  good  errand.  'Tis  well  for  them  to  see  this  goodly  company 
of  well-armed  men. 

Printz. — (To  Hudde,  who  leads)  What  would  you  here  in  the  midst  of  our 
thanksgiving?  Do  you  come  as  true  subjects  of  her  Royal  Majesty  and 
honest  colonists? 

Hudde. — (Cravenly,  ordering  his  Hag  to  he  furled)  We  come  to  give  you  wel- 
come and  to  ask  your  aid  against  the  English. 

Printz. — (Haughtily)  Then  you  may  go.  For  my  aid  is  for  neither  Dutch  nor 
Englishmen. 

The  Dutch  withdraw  in  no  good  humor.  Some  of  the  Swedish  colonists 
follow  them  and  there  is  scuifling  with  their  rear  guard  as  they  again  unfurl  their 
Hag  and  retire  through  the  zuood.  Printz  and  his  party  now  pass  off  the  Held 
Some  of  the  Swedes  return  and  meet  an  advancing  party  of  Dutchmen  under  Sir 
Peter  Stuyvesant,  Governor  of  Nezv  Netherland.  A  general  engagement,  in  which 
the  Indians  have  a  part,  folloivs. 

IVailing  music  is  heard  as  all  the  characters  pass  off  the  field.  Suddenly  the 
Chorus  bursts  into  triumphal  harmonies,  alternated  zvith  the  minor  chords  of  the 
Semi-Chorus. 

CHORUS 

Farewell  to  the  era  of  terrible  conflict ! 

All  hail  to  the  spirit  of  peace  that  approaches ! 

I     SEMI-CHORUS  (Remembrance) 
Alas  !     The  blood — the  sacrifice.     Alas  !    The  fear. 


n     SEMI-CHORUS   (Aspiration) 

He  comes  the  bearer  of  a  message  fair, 
Sent  by  the  Prince  of  Peace. 


I     SEMI-CHORUS  (Remembrance) 
See  how  the  field  lies  sodden  with  the  dead. 

II     SEMI-CHORUS   (Aspiration) 

From  this  sad  sowing  shall  there  yet  arise 
A  harvest  of  great  deeds. 


l6  The  Historical  Pageant 


EPISODE  I 


SCENE    I 

HISTORICAL  NOTE 

William  Penn,  the  son  of  an  English  admiral,  Sir  William  Penn,  was  born  in 
1644.  Much  against  his  father's  will  he  early  embraced  the  religion  of  George  Fox, 
and  became  a  Quaker,  suffering  the  social  ostracism  and  the  legal  persecutions  which 
were  the  portion  of  this  sect  and  of  adherents  of  other  dissenting  faiths  under  the 
Stuarts.  Penn's  father  died  in  1670.  A  considerable  sum  was  due  him  from  the  crown 
in  loans  and  arrears  of  pay  in  the  naval  service  of  the  kingdom.  The  son  had  in  view 
the  founding  of  an  asylum  for  his  fellow-Quakers  and  to  further  this  object  at  length 
agreed  with  Charles  II  and  his  brother  the  Duke  of  York,  afterward  James  II,  to  take 
a  tract  of  wild  American  land  in  liquidation  of  the  debt.  For  obligations  in  the  sum 
of  fi6,ooo  he  was  given  a  piece  of  country  beyond  the  seas  "lying  north  from  Mary- 
land— bounded  on  the  east  by  the  Delaware  River,  on  the  west  limited  as  Maryland 
and  northward  to  extend  as  far  as  plantable,"  containing  when  its  bounds  were  further 
defined  over  40,000  square  miles,  an  area  therefore  greater  than  Ireland  and  almost 
as  great  as  that  of  England  itself.  The  charter  was  signed  at  Westminster  on  March 
4,  1681.  The  king  christened  the  country  Pennsylvania,  that  is,  "the  sylvan  land  of 
Penn,"  but  not  without  protest  from  the  new  proprietor,  who  became  reconciled  to 
the  name  only  because  the  prefix  "pen"  signified  in  the  Welsh  language  a  headland. 
Pennsylvania  might  mean  then  "the  high  or  head  woodlands."  He  early  planned  "a 
capital  city,"  a  "great  town."  It  was  to  be  a  "greene  country  town  which  will  never 
be  burnt  and  always  wholesome."  He  resolved  that  it  should  be  called  Philadelphia, 
no  doubt  suggested  by  passages  in  Revelation  which  refer  to  Philadelphia  in  the 
province  of  Lydia  in  Asia  Minor.  The  place  was  the  seat  of  an  early  Christian  con- 
gregation and  the  name  signifies  brotherly  or  sisterly  love.  Soon  after  he  had  received 
his  charter,  Penn  sent  his  cousin,  William  Markham,  to  his  colony  to  prepare  it  for 
settlement.  A  temporary  capital  was  established  at  Upland  (Chester)  and  three  com- 
missioners, and  later  Thomas  Holme,  a  survej'or,  were  despatched  to  plat  Philadelphia, 
and  the  surrounding  country.  Penn  himself  arranged  to  follow  in  the  autumn  of  1682. 
He  embarked  at  Deal  with  about  one  hundred  companions,  mostly  Quakers,  in  the 
Welcome,  a  ship  of  300  tons  burden.  It  came  inside  the  Delaware  Capes,  the  ship's 
list  much  decimated  by  small  pox,  on  October  24,  1682,  and  five  days  later  was  riding 
at  anchor  before  Upland.  Well  founded  tradition  has  it  that  Penn  with  several  asso- 
ciates came  up  the  Delaware  and  landed  at  the  Blue  Anchor  Inn  at  Dock  Creek,  that 
is  at  the  foot  of  the  present  Dock  Street,  early  in  November.  Here  he  met  some  of  the 
settlers  who  were  already  on  the  ground,  the  Swedes  resident  in  Wicaco,  and  many 
Indians  with  whom,  legend  informs  us,  he  played  like  a  boy.  He  at  once  or  a  little 
later  gave  them  presents  in  propitiation  and  friendship  and  concluded  treaties,  one  of 
which  tradition  locates  upon  the  ground  under  an  elm  in  Shackamaxon.  which  is  now 
Kensington. 

CAST   OF    CHARACTERS 

In  Landing  Party: 

William  Penn. 

Captain  William  Markham,  his  cousin,  who  met  him  at  Upland. 

Robert  Wade,  of  Upland. 

Dr.  Thomas  Wynne,  the  Welsh  Quaker  physician,  who  accompanied  Penn  on 

the  Welcome. 
Ten    or   twelve   other   passengers    of   the    Welcome,    including    David    Ogden, 

Nicholas  Waln,  Thomas  Fitzwater  and  John  Fisher. 


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The    Words    of   the   Pageant  17 

In  Receiving  Party: 

Thomas  Holme,  the  surveyor-general  of  Pennsylvania. 

John  Bezau  "^ 

Nathaniel  Allen    >  Commissioners. 

William  Haige       J 

Captain  William  Dare,  "mine  host"  at  the  Blue  Anchor  Inn. 

Thomas  Fairman,  of  Shackamaxon. 

Daniel  Pegg,  whose  farm  lay  on  the  banks  of  Cohoquinoque  or  Pegg's  Run. 

William  Warner,  who  lived  west  of  the  Schuylkill,  from  Blockley,  England, 

a  name  which  he  gave  to  the  township  in  which  he  made  his  new  home. 
John  Mifflin  and  his  son  John,  founders  of  the  Mifflin  family  in  America, 

who  were  early  on  the  ground. 
John  Drinker,  the  "first-born"  and  his  parents.     He  lived  to  be  102  years  of 

age,  or  until  1783.     Franklin,  when  asked  in  England  to  what  age  men 

lived  in  America  replied  that  he  could  not  tell  "until  old  Drinker  died." 
Rev.  Jacob  Fabritius,  of  the  Swedish  Church  of  Wicaco,  of  whom  Whittier 

wrote, 

"from  Finland's  birchen  groves  exiled 
Manly  in  thought,  in  simple  ways  a  child, 
His  white  hair  floating  round  his  visage  mild." 

Other  Swedes  from  Wicaco,  frontier  adventurers  from  the  caves  on  the  river 
bank,  sailors  and  Indians. 

The  arena  represents  the  meadozv  lands  at  the  mouth  of  Dock  Creek  around 
the  Blue  Anchor  Inn,  overlooking  the  tall  forest  trees  of  Coqitanoc,  the  Indian 
name  for  what  came  to  be  Philadelphia. 

CHORUS 

Across  the  space  of  storied  years. 

Through  all  the  purpling  mists  of  Time, 
A  voice  is  wafted  to  our  ears, 

A  figure  in  the  invigored  prime 
Of  noble  manhood  meets  our  gaze, 

As  back  our  longing  eyes  are  turned 
To  find,  within  the  vanished  days. 

The  heights  where  Freedom's  beacon  burned. 

And  these,  like  benedictions,  rest 

Upon  our  lives,  a  dower  divine, 
A  heritage  benignly  blest; 

Great  Founder !     Voice  and  form  are  thine. 
We  see  thee,  as,  like  one  apart — 

Quaker  and  soldier  aptly  blent — 
Of  truth  of  soul  and  strength  of  heart 

Thou  stoodst  the  fair  embodiment. 


i8  The   Historical   Pageant 

We  hear  thee  as  thy  message  fell — 

The  evangel  of  a  holier  creed — 
More  lofty  than  the  organ's  swell, 

More  potent  than  the  conqueror's  deed. 
Like  Him  who  brought  the  heavenly  dower 

Of  peace  on  earth,  good  will  towards  men, 
Thou  camest  on  savage  heads  to  shower 

A  blessing,  O  immortal  Penn ! 

Thine  was  the  blood  of  truest  dye 

That  scoffed  at  Fortune's  cap  and  bells, — 
The  soul  that  could  not  stoop  to  lie 

Nor  soil  the  house  where  honor  dwells. 
Thine,  only  thine,  the  faith  to  keep 

The  pathway  that  the  Master  trod. 
Remembering  that,  the'  Justice  sleep, 

Her  head  rests  in  the  lap  of  God. 

No  city's  sumptuous  portals  reared 

Shall  dull  our  hearts,  no  greatness  drown 
Remembrance  of  the  love  which  cheered 

The  toil  of  thy  green  country  town. 
And  round  thy  memory  we  were  fain 

To  weave  a  wreath  of  flowers  fair, 
From  every  hill  and  every  plain 

Kissed  by  the  tides  of  Dela\vare. 

As  the  Chorus  finishes,  figures  are  seen  landing  from  a  pinnace,  and  coming 
up  through  the  greenery.  William  Penn  is  in  the  lead,  accompanied  by  William 
Markham,  Robert  J  Fade,  Thomas  Wynne  and  others.  As  they  advance,  Holme, 
the  commissioners,  Fairman,  Warner,  Pegg,  Fabritius  and  the  others  go  forward. 
The  Indians  look  on  at  the  scene. 

Penn. —  (After  surveying  the  scene,  addressing  Markham)    Thou  hast  done  well, 

GDUsin  Markham.    Thou  hast  chosen  a  right  excellent  site  for  our  greene 

country  town  as  I  bade  thee  do. 
Holme. — Beyond  there  where  thou  seest  that  great  tree  is  the  High  Street  and 

going  out  its  length  thou  wilt  come  to  the  Broad  Street. 
Penn. — All  is  well.     'Tis  fair  and  seemly  ground  for  my  capital  city.     You  all 

have  served  me  to  my  good  satisfaction.     Ah  {in  surprise  and  delight  as 

he  sees  John  Drinker,  a  babe  in  the  arms  of  its  mother)  a  child  here  in 

my  wilderness? 
Markham. — In  sooth.  Cousin  William.     Born  on  this  ground  in  yonder  cabin 

rising  two  years  since. 


The    Words    of   the    Pageant  19 

Penn. — May  God  give  thee  his  blessing,  my  young  Pennsylvanian.  Love  thy 
mother  who  will  breed  thee  up  dutiful  to  the  Lord. 

(Fabritius  and  some  Swedes  appear,  their  hats  in  their  hands.) 

Penn. — {To  Fabritius)  Thou  mayest  put  on  thy  hat  good  man.  I  am  come  to 
be  one  of  you,  not  to  rule  as  a  lord  over  you.  To  the  natives,  too,  whose 
dark  skins  hide  good  hearts,  I  come  as  a  friend.  What  canst  thou  and  I 
do  here,  Thomas  {addressing  Dr.  Thomas  Wynne,  his  companion  on  the 
Welcome)  to  show  forth  our  good  disposition  toward  these  people? 

Wynne. — I  wot  not,  William.  They  seem  scarce  in  our  image.  Mayhap  God 
tried  us  sore  of  pestilence  on  our  way  hither  but  to  prove  our  souls  and 
fit  us  better  for  the  making  of  thy  holy  experiment. 

Penn. — Thomas,  thou'rt  as  good  a  preacher  as  thou'rt  a  skilful  leech. 

Penn  mingles  zvith  the  Indians,  sitting  down  on  the  ground  beside  them, 
leaping  with  them  in  play,  aiming  an  arrow  from  one  of  their  bozvs,  giving  them 
a  sash  which  he  takes  from  his  person  and  sending  for  gifts,  which  are  brought 
in  chests.  They  are  soon  filled  with  delight.  The  Indians  go  out  and  bring  in 
skins  and  corn.    They  call  Penn  "Onas."    An  interpreter  appears. 

Penn. — {To  interpreter.)  Tell  them  that  I  know  no  religion  that  destroys  cour- 
tesy, civility  and  kindness.  I  have  come  to  put  an  end  to  enmity  and  dis- 
pute.   My  policy  shall  be  openness  and  love  and  peace. 

The  Indians  hear  what  is  translated  and  communicated  to  them  in  their  own 
tongue  with  marks  of  approval. 

The  Interpreter. — They  say,  "We  will  live  in  peace  with  Qnas  and  his  children 
so  long  as  the  sun  and  moon  endure." 

The  Indians  with  great  noise  "say  Amen  in  their  way." 

Penn. — {To  those  grouped  around  him.)  My  dear  friends,  God  hath  given  me 
this  new  land  in  the  face  of  the  world.  He  will  bless  and  make  it  the  seed 
of  a  nation. 

They  move  off,  the  Indians  in  one  direction,  the  English  and  Swedes  in 
another. 


20  The   Historical   Paseant 


SCENE    II 

HISTORICAL  NOTE 

William  Penn  returned  to  England  in  1684  and  he  was  not  destined  to  revisit  his 
colony  on  the  Delaware  for  fifteen  years.  Meanwhile  much  had  happened  to  him 
personally  as  well  as  to  England.  The  pleasure-loving  Charles  II  had  died  to  make 
way  for  his  brother  the  Duke  of  York,  who  ascended  the  throne  as  James  II.  His 
infamies,  which  Macaulay  so  graphically  describes,  led  to  the  Revolution  of  1688  and 
the  accession  of  William  and  Mary.  Mary  died  in  1694  and  William  III  would  rule 
alone  until  his  death  in  1702,  to  be  followed  by  her  sister  Anne.  Penn's  wife,  the 
beloved  Gulielma  Maria  Springett,  died  in  1694  and  his  favorite  son  Springett  at  the 
threshold  of  young  manhood  followed  his  mother  to  the  grave  in  1696.  In  that  year 
Penn  contracted  a  second  marriage,  his  choice  this  time  falling  upon  the  daughter  of 
a  Quaker  merchant  in  Bristol,  Hannah  Callowhill.  In  1699  when  he  again  set  out 
for  his  colony  she  and  his  daughter  by  his  first  wife,  Letitia  or  "Tishe,"  as  he 
affectionately  called  her,  accompanied  him.  He  came  before  Philadelphia  in  his  ship 
the  "Canterbury"  on  December  3,  1699,  and  the  "greene  country  towne"  and  his  estate 
on  the  Delaware,  Pennsbury,  which  had  been  fitted  up  for  him  in  his  absence,  were 
to  be  his  home  for  nearly  two  years.  His  departure  was  taken  in  November,  1701, 
and  he  was  destined  never  to  return  to  his  province.  In  the  more  than  fifteen  years 
which  had  elapsed  since  his  first  visit  many  of  the  supports  and  pillars  of  the  colony 
had  been  removed  by  death.  Others  had  come  forward  to  take  their  places.  Philadelphia 
may  have  had  a  population  of  3000  or  4000.  It  boasted  of  shops  and  inns,  a  brew- 
house  or  two,  brick-kilns,  rope-walks  and  a  few  other  industries.  Some  commodious 
homes  had  been  erected  near  the  river  side,  but  the  houses  for  the  most  part  were 
wooden  cabins.  The  Quaker  element  predominated  but  a  group  of  men  faithful  to  the 
Church  of  England  had  gathered  here  and  made  themselves  quite  hostile  to  Penn  and 
the  Friends.  The  Welsh,  some  of  whom  had  come  with  Penn  in  the  Welcome,  increased 
in  number.  Many  families  from  Wales  had  settled  in  the  so-called  "Welsh  Tract" 
beyond  the  Schuylkill,  in  Merion,  Radnor  and  Haverford,  and  pressed  on  into  Chester 
county.  German  sectarians  had  begun  to  arrive.  The  first  of  these  to  enter  the  colony 
reached  Pennsylvania  under  Pastorius  while  Penn  was  here  during  his  first  visit,  and 
settled  in  Germantown:  this  was  the  beginning  of  a  strong  tide  of  immigration  from 
Germany,  which  reached  proportions  alarming  to  the  English  element  in  the  first  half 
of  the  eighteenth  century.  A  number  of  odd  German  mystics  under  John  Kelpius  had 
established  a  community  on  the  "Ridge"  in  the  dark  fastnesses  of  the  Wissahickon.  The 
Scotch  Irish  wlio  were  destined  to  come  in  such  numbers  at  a  somewhat  later  date  to 
people  the  frontier  counties  were  already  seen  in  the  city.  In  short,  Pennsylvania  had 
come  to  fulfill  its  founder's  purpose:  it  was  a  haven  for  the  oppressed  in  conscience  of 
many  national  roots.  Before  his  departure  in  1701  Penn  gave  the  colony  a  new  charter 
of  privileges  and  the  city  a  charter  for  its  government,  both  of  which  continued  in 
force  until  the  Revolutionarv  War. 


CAST   OF   CHARACTERS 

William  Penn. 

Hannah  Callowhill  Penn,  his  wife. 

Letitia  Penn,  his  daughter. 

Andrew  Hamilton,  the  new  Governor. 

William  Markham,  now  Colonel  Markham,  several  times  Deputy  Governor. 

James  Logan,  a  young  Irishman  who  came  with  Penn  on  his  second  visit  and 

remained  here  to  represent  the  Penn  interests  faithfully  until  his  death. 
Edward  Siiitpen,  Councillor  and  Mayor. 
Samuel  Carpenter,  Councillor  and  merchant.     ("The  Stephen  Girard  of  his 

day  in  wealth  and  the  William  Sansom  in  the  improvements  he  suggested 

and  the  edifices  which  he  built." — Watson) 
Thomas  Story,  Councillor  and  City  Recorder. 


TJie    Words    of    the    Pageant  21 


Aldermen. 


Phineas  Pemberton   ■^ 

Griffith  Owen  [other  Councillors. 

Caleb  Pusey  J 

JosiAH  Carpenter 

Griffith  Jones 

Anthony  Morris 

Thomas  Masters 

Isaac  Norris. 

Jonathan  Dickinson. 

William  Trent,  who  founded  Trenton. 

Thomas  Wharton. 

William  Hudson. 

Toby  Leech. 

Robert  Assheton. 

Joseph  Growden. 

Humphrey  Morrey. 

Nicholas  Waln. 

Francis  Rawle. 

John  Cadwalader. 

Thomas  Fairman,  and  other  citizens. 

Robert  Quarry,  John  Moore,  King's  agents,  and  other  Church  of  England  men 

hostile  to  Penn. 
A  group  of  English  colonists  of  both  sexes. 
A  group  of  Welsh  colonists. 
A  group  of  Swedes  from  Wicaco,  Passyunk  and  Moyamensing,  headed  by  their 

priests. 

A  group  of  Germans  headed  by  Francis  Daniel  Pastorius  and  William  Rit- 

tenhouse. 
Mystics  from  the  "Ridge." 
Indians. 

The  scene  is  the  wide  and  grassy  space  used  as  a  market  place  at  Second  and 
High  Streets. 

CHORUS 

The  law  of  love  doth  work  its  perfect  will : 
The  savage  breast  beneath  its  touch  grows  still, 
And  to  the  brawls  of  Hollander  and  Swede 
The  "Quaker  King's"  mild  order  shall  succeed, 
And  peace  and  justice  shall  the  measure  fill, 
Translating  promise  to  immortal  deed 
And  founding  empire  in  simplicity. 


22  The   Historical   Pageant 

The  Scene  opens  with  the  arrival  of  the  Welsh  to  Welsh  music.  These  are 
followed  by  the  Germmts  and  the  Swedish  people  in  groups.  Indians 
enter  and  join  the  crozcd.  The  English  citisenry  then  make  their  appearance  on 
the  scene,  and  following  them  come  Penn,  his  wife  and  daughter,  Logan  and  a 
retinue,  all  mounted.  Their  "creatures"  are  hitched  to  trees  or  held  by  boys  and 
young  men  on  the  outskirts  of  the  crowd  which  has  gathered  to  witness  the  pub- 
lication of  the  charter  of  privileges  of  the  colony  and  the  city  charter. 

Pexn. — (To  Logan)  I  have  had  the  wish  to  see  the  great  charter  of  the  prov- 
ince published  ere  I  go  home.    I  bid  thee  draw  the  people  around  us,  James. 

(The  groups  draw  near  and  mingle.) 

Penn. — (To  the  multitude)  My  wish  that  Pennsylvania  should  be  an  asylum 
for  the  stricken  by  God's  blessing  is  being  fulfilled.  I  hereby  grant  you,  my 
people,  a  new  frame  of  government  which  I  am  hopeful  will  be  for  your 
well-being.  Some  religions  persecute,  mine  forgives.  Whoever  is  in  the 
wrong,  those  who  use  force  in  religion  can  never  be  in  the  right.  There- 
fore, I,  William  Penn,  proprietary  and  governor  of  the  province  of  Penn- 
sylvania, by  virtue  of  the  King's  letters  patent,  again  confirm  my  grant  to 
you  all  of  freedom  of  conscience  as  to  your  religious  profession  and  wor- 
ship under  one  Almighty  God — the  Creator,  Upholder  and  Ruler  of  the 
world. 

The  councillors  draw  n^ar  and  receive  the  parchment. 

Penn  (continuing). — To  you  who  are  of  my  dear  Philadelphia,  I  grant  further 
this  charter  for  your  government.  Your  town  and  borough  shall  be  a  city. 
Virgin  settlement  of  this  province,  named  before  thou  wert  born,  what  love, 
what  care,  what  service  and  what  travail  has  there  been  to  bring  thee  forth 
and  preserve  thee  from  such  as  would  abuse  and  defile  thee.  O !  that  thou 
mayst  be  kept  from  the  evil  that  would  overwhelm  thee;  that,  faithful  to 
the  God  of  thy  mercies  in  the  life  of  righteousness,  thou  mayst  be  preserved 
to  the  end. 

The  Mayor  and  Aldermen  receive  the  scroll  representing  the  City  Charter. 


CHORUS 

Justice  and  Mercy  and  Love:     Love  of  each  man  for  his  brother, 
Philos-Adelphos,  fit  motto  of  them  who  establish 
Here  on  the  banks  of  the  swift-flowing  rivers 
Deep  the  foundations  of  Penn's  noble  city. 


The    Words    of   the   Pageant  23 


I     SEMI-CHORUS   (Remembrance) 

Dim  in  the  mystical  past,  in  far  Lydia, 
Men  reared  the  walls  of  a  wonderful  city ; 
Weaving  their  motto  of  Philos-Adelphos  into  their  covenant,- 
Naming  the  work  of  their  hands  Philadelphia, — 
Philos-A  delphos, — brotherly  love. 


II     SEMI-CHORUS   (Aspiration) 

Philos-Adelphos, — a  phrase  of  the  ages, — 
Now  in  this  western  dominion  renascent. 
Here  on  the  banks  of  the  Delaware  born  again 
Into  a  grandeur  which  through  coming  centuries 
Swiftly  shall  dwarf  all  the  dreams  of  fair  Lydia- 
Fair  Philadelphia — city  of  Penn. 


CHORUS 

Behold  a  city  where  a  forest  stood, 
Behold  the  reign  of  Equity  begun. 
Farewell  the  Founder  of  a  Mighty  state 
And  hail  an  empire  based  on  Equity. 


24 


The   Historical   Pageant 


EPISODE  II 


HISTORICAL  NOTE 

The  differences  between  England  and  her  American  Colonies  reached  an  angry 
stage  in  1705  when  the  Stamp  Act  was  passed,  and  she  asserted  the  right  of  taxing 
them  for  her  support.  Benjamin  Franklin  had  gone  abroad  to  represent  the  province 
in  London  in  1757.  He  returned  in  1762  but  went  out  again  as  the  colonial  agent  in 
1764  to  remain  away  for  ten  years.  He  was  appealed  to  on  the  subject  of  the  Stamp 
Act,  but  his  protests  were  unavailing.  The  Philadelphians  when  the  stamp  paper 
arrived  refused  to  permit  it  to  be  landed  or  sold.  The  merchants  signed  the  "Non 
Importation  Resolutions,"  pledging  themselves  not  to  trade  with  Great  Britain  until 
the  offensive  law  should  be  repealed,  as  it  was  in  the  following  year.  In  1767,  however, 
the  ministry  reasserted  its  right  to  make  levies  upon  the  colonists  in  a  law  relating 
to  paper,  glass,  tea,  etc.  The  duties  on  these  articles  with  the  exception  of  tea,  were 
abolished  in  1770  but  without  mollifying  the  public  resentment.  The  people  resolved 
to  use  no  tea.  At  length  in  1773  the  East  India  Company  was  authorized  to  send 
a  number  of  cargoes  to  America.  Town  meetings  were  held  to  declare  that  they  should 
not  be  received.  It  was  announced  in  October  that  the  Polly,  Captain  Ayres,  would 
bring  the  tea  to  Philadelphia.  It  was  principal!}'  consigned  to  two  solid  Quaker  firms, 
Thomas  and  Isaac  Wharton  and  James  and  Drinker,  who  were  asked  to  resign  their 
offices  as  the  stamp  master  had  been,  and  promptly  did  so.  Captain  Ayres  was 
threatened  with  tar  and  feathers  by  a  mob.  In  the  midst  of  the  excitement  an  express 
arrived  to  announce  that  in  Boston  the  tea  had  been  thrown  into  the  harbor.  At  last 
the  "Polly"  entered  the  Delaware.  A  committee  went  out  to  meet  the  Captain  and 
he  was  brought  up  to  the  city.  He  was  told  that  he  must  send  his  ship  down  the 
river  on  the  next  tide.  He  himself  might  remain  in  town  until  the  next  day,  but  only 
for  the  purpose  of  replenishing  his  stores  for  the  return  voyage  to  England.  When 
he  had  learned  of  the  temper  of  the  people  he  complied  with  the  best  grace  he  could 
command,  and  quiet  returned  for  a  little  while  to  the  city  and  the  colony. 

CAST   OF   CHARACTERS 
Thomas  Willing 
John  Dickinson 
Dr.  Benjamin  Rush 
Robert  Morris 
William  Bradford 
Thomas  Mifflin 

Charles  Thomson  }■  Citizens. 

Provost  William  Smith 
George  Clymer 
Joseph  Reed 
Samuel  Powel 
John  Nixon 
Thomas  Fitzsimmons 
Elizabeth  Drinker. 
Lydia  Darragh. 
Mary  Pemberton. 
Martha  James. 
Margaret  Morris. 
Rebecca  James,  a  young  girl. 
Thomas  Wharton. 


The    Words    of    the    Pageant  25 

Abel  James. 

Deborah  Franklin. 

Sarah  Franklin  Bache. 

Captain  Ayres,  of  the  tea  ship  Polly. 

Pickle  Herring,  a  clown,  and  other  Fair  Day  characters. 

A  crowd  numbering  about  300  persons. 

CHORUS 
Behold  !  the  sun  is  mounting  to  his  noon : 

The  city  grows  apace; 
Yet  Peace  begins  to  pale  and  all  too  soon 

Shall  veil  her  radiant  face, — 
Shall  veil  for  weary  years  her  radiant  face. 

The  arena  represents  the  market  place  at  the  time  of  the  Autumn  Fair — 
October,  ///j.  A  pack  train  and  some  cows  with  hells  are  seen.  In  the  fore- 
ground Fair-day  stalls  and  a  mob  zvhich  comes  in  in  parties  from  both  sides  of 
the  Held,  and  in  whidi  may  be  seen  types  of  citizens  both  rich  and  poor: — beaux 
and  belles  on  horseback ;  German  country  girls  on  horses  ivith  panniers ;  Induins 
dancing  and  capering;  paupers,  Fair-day  characters,  a  clozun  (Pickle  Herring, 
zvell  known  at  the  time  in  the  colonies),  gingerbread  men,  piemen-,  Punch-and- 
Judy  showmen,  some  British  soldiers  of  the  Royal  Irish  Regiment  (i8th)  from 
the  Barracks,  Quakers,  etc. 

Charles  Thomson. — (To  Bradford)  It  seems  that  our  Dr.  Franklin  is  making 
but  little  progress  in  regard  to  our  weighty  matters  in  England. 

Bradford. — From  the  news  I  had  but  now  at  the  Coffee  House,  I  well  believe  that 
his  success  hath  been  but  middling. 

Rush. — Thou  meanest  about  the  detestable  tea  scheme.  The  drink  made  from 
that  East  Indian  weed  is  assuredly  now  not  often  seen  in  this  part  of  the 
King's  dominion.  I  commend  to  my  patients,  mother  of  thyme  with  a  little 
hyssop  or  some  peppermint  and  yarrow.     They  brew  as  well. 

"Tea,  how  I  tremble  at  the  baneful  name. 
Like  Lethe  fatal  to  the  love  of  fame." 

Morris  (coming  up). — The  affair  is  no  subject  for  jest  and  it's  like  to  come  to  a 
bitter  end.  I  hear  the  ministry  hath  allowed  the  East  India  Company  to 
despatch  several  cargoes  of  tea  hither  on  which  the  tax  is  to  be  paid. 

Thomson. — That  it  will  not  be  if  my  ears  make  correct  report. 

Mifflin. — What  hast  thou  heard? 

Thomson. — That  the  tea  is  to  be  sent  back  to  England  whence  it  comes.  It  shall 
get  no  landing  here.  The  Whartons  and  Abel  James  have  promised  not 
to  receive  it.     The  Delaware  pilots  are  threatened  if  they  bring  up  the  ship. 

Dickinson. — I  trust  all  may  be  done  without  violence. 

Willing. — Yet  must  we  keep  our  dignity,  come  what  may.  The  tea  may  follow 
the  stamps,  say  I.     Taxation  without  representation  I  hold  in  abhorrence. 


26  The   Historical   Pageant 


Morris. — It  is  not  to  be  thought  on.     The  resolutions  passed  at  the  meeting  in 
the  State  House  yard  were  definite  enough.     The  action  of  the  ministry  is 
a  violent  attack  upon  the  liberties  of  America. 
Pickle  Herring   (ivith    a    shrub    labeled    "Tea"    which    he    sets    dozini    and 
addresses). — Thou  accursed  China  herb! 

"How  might  we  blush  if  our  sires  could  see 
Our  rights  invaded  by  this  shrub  Bohea." 
Bohea  tea !  see ! 
A  party  of  sailors  come  rollicking  along,  one  or  two  seeming  slightly  tipsy. 
They  shout  "We  never  drink  tea,"  and  sing  as  they  pass  on: 
"Here's  to  the  wind  that  blows 
To  the  ship  that  goes, 
And  to  the  lass  that  loves  a  sailor." 
A  citizen  in  a  chaise  draws  near  and  calls  for  more  toasts.    He  suggests  one: 

"May  Great  Britain  always  be  just  and  America  always  be  free."  (Loud 
HuBzas.) 

A  Sailor  (tipsy). — Liberty  to  mankind!     (All  lough) 

A    Citizen. — Here's   to   Paoli!     May   the   glorious   spirit   of   Corsica   animate 
America  to  the  latest  posterity. 

Abel  James,  one  of  the  Quaker  merchants  to  whom  the  tea  is  consigned, 
becomes  the  center  of  interest  in  the  crowd.  He  promises  that  he  will  not  receive 
his  part  of  the  cargo  and  offers  his  little  daughter  standing  on  a  hogshead  as  a 
pledge  of  his  good  faith.  There  is  a  commotion  in  the  crowd  at  right,  as  an 
Express  comes  in  breathless. 

Express. — Hear  ye  all!    Captain  Ayres  in  the  teaship  Polly  hath  just  cast  anchor 
in  the  Delaware ! 

Great  excitement  among  the  people. 
A  Voice. — We'll  tar  and  feather  him  and  funnel  his  rotten  tea  down  his  throat. 
Many  Voices. — Ay,  ay !     And  the  quicker  the  better. 
Voices. — Tar  and  feathers !     Tar  and  feathers  ! 

A  kettle  of  tar  and  an  old  feather  bed  are  brought  on  the  scene,  and  a  pro- 
cession is  formed  marching  to  the  music  of  a  fife. 

Dickinson,     (coming  up  hastily)     Peace !     Peace !     Let  us  act  orderly  that  our 

cause  be  not  jeopardized.     I  pray  ye  use  no  violence. 
Voices. — Here  he  comes  !    Here  he  comes !    Let's  teach  the  villain  a  lesson  I 
Dickinson. — Peace!     Peace!     No  violence. 

Captain  Ayres  comes  in  through  a  lane  of  people.  Some  boys  hustle  him 
but  show  no  further  indignity,  being  restrained  by  Dickinson,  Willing,  Mifflin 
and  other  leading  citizens. 

A  committee  of  four  wait  upon  him  and  inform  him  concerning  the  temper 
of  the  people,  whereupon  he  agrees  to  depart,  at  which  there  is  much  huzzaing. 


The    Words    of   the    Pageant  27 

A  mob  ichich  is  formed  carrying  a  large  sign   rudely  painted,   "No   taxation 
without  representation,"  sings: 

"Captain  once  more  hoist  your  streamers 
Spread  your  sails  and  plow  the  wave ! 
Tell  your  masters  they  were  dreamers, 
When  they  thought  to  cheat  the  Brave." 

The  crowd  again  surges  out,  the  British  troops  being  somewhat  hustled  but 
preserving  good  temper.     The  roistering  sailors  pass  across  the  arena  singing: 

"Here's  to  the  wind  that  blows, 
To  the  ship  that  goes, 
And  to  the  lass  that  loves  a  sailor." 

As  the  crowd  moves  from  the  Held,  the  Chorus  sings  a  song  of  the  time  in 
Philadelphia,  written  by  John  Dickinson  and  sung  to  the  tune  of  "Hearts  of  Oak." 

"Our  worthy  forefathers,  let's  give  them  a  cheer. 
To  climates  unknown  did  courageously  steer. 
Through  oceans  and  deserts  for  freedom  they  came 
And  dying  bequeathed  us  their  freedom  and  fame. 

Chorus 

"In  freedom  we're  born 

And  in  freedom  we'll  live. 
Our  purses  are  ready, 
Steady,  friends,  steady ! 
Not  as  slaves  but  as  freemen 
Our  money  we'll  give. 

"The  tree  their  own  hands  had  to  Liberty  reared 

They  lived  to  behold  growing  strong  and  rever'd; 
With  transport  they  cried,  'Now  our  wishes  we  gain. 
For  our  children  shall  gather  the  fruits  of  our  pain.' 
Chorus 

"In  freedom,  etc. 

"Then  join  hand  in  hand,  brave  Americans  all. 
By  uniting  we  stand,  by  dividing  we  fall. 
In  so  righteous  a  cause  let  us  hope  to  succeed. 
For  Heaven  approves  of  each  generous  deed. 
Chorus 

"In  freedom,  etc. 

"All  ages  shall  speak  with  amaze  and  applause 

Of  the  courage  we'll  show  in  support  of  our  laws. 
To  die  we  can  bear,  but  to  serve  we  disdain, 

For  shame  is  to  freemen  more  dreadful  than  pain." 
Chorus 

"In  freedom,  etc. 


28  The   Historical   Pageant 


a 


EPISODE  III 

SCENE    I 

HISTORICAL  NOTE 

Events  moved  on  apace.  As  a  punishment  for  the  destruction  of  the  tea  in  the 
harbor  at  Boston,  the  port  was  declared  to  be  closed  to  commerce  Warships  were 
?t  hand  to  enforce  the  law.  This  act  aroused  the  resentment  of  the  other  colonies. 
A  Continental  Congress  convened  in  Carpenters'.  Hall  in  Philadelphia  in  September 
1774  On  April  24  an  express  arrived  announcing  the  Battle  of  Lexington.  The 
people  were  aflame^  Franklin  came  home  from  England  on  May  6  1775.  and  a  few 
dk?s  later  the  delegates  to  the  second  Continental  Congress  reached  the  city.  The 
Virginfans  and  othfr  Southern  delegates,  George  Washington  among  them,  came  on 
MaTp  and  the  Eastern  delegates,  led  by  John  Hancock,  John  Adams  and  Samuel 
Adams  of  the  province  of  Massachusetts  Bay,  on  whose  soil  the  first  blood  had  been 
shed  were  welcomed  on  the  following  day,  May  10.  Companies  of  mihtiamen  or 
Associators  as  they  were  called,  marched  out  to  receive  both  cavalcades  and  escort  them 
into  the  city. 

CAST   OF    CHARACTERS 

Southern  Delegates: 
Colonel  George  Washington 
Patrick  Henry 
Richard  Henry  Lee 

Edmund  Pendleton  \  of  Virginia. 

Benjamin  Harrison 
Richard  Bland 
Peyton  Randolph 
Some  Maryland  and  Carolina  Delegates. 

Caesar  Rodney        ^ 

George  Read  \  of  Delaware. 

Thomas  McKean    J 

Eastern  Delegates: 
John  Hancock 


,  of  Massachusetts  Bay, 


^  Thomas  Gushing 

John  Adams 
Samuel  Adams 
Robert  Treat  Paine 

I  Other  delegates  from  New  England,  New  York  and  New  Jersey. 

Benjamin  Franklin. 
I  Thomas  Paine. 

Robert  Morris. 

James  Wilson. 

George  Clymer. 

Betsy  Ross. 


The    Words    of    the    Pageant  29 

Lydia  Darragh. 

John  Dickinson      ^ 

Daniel  Roberdeau  j-Militia  Colonels. 

John  Cadwalader  j 

Irregular  bodies  of  Associators.  with  music. 

A  mob  of  citizens. 

The  arena  represents  the  commons  ivest  of  the  town  in  May,  1775.  A  great 
crowd  of  excited  people.  Recruiting  sergeants  at  tables  enrolling  volunteers. 
John  Dickinson,  Daniel  Roberdeau  and  John  Cadivalader,  as  Colonels,  organising 
their  several  commands.  Benjamin  Franklin  enters,  escorted  by  Thomas  Paine, 
Robert  Morris,  Junies  Wilson,  George  Clynier  and  other  Pennsylvanians.  Tivo 
cavalcades  appear,  escorting  the  delegates.  The  first  comes  from  the  South,  the 
second  from  Nezv  England. 

Enter  linth  the  Southern  group,  George  Washington,  Peyton  Randolph, 
Patrick  Henry,  Richard  Henry  Lee  and  others.  They  are  escorted  by  the  new 
city  militia  officers,  by  citizens  on  Iiorseback  and  by  bodies  of  Associators. 

Enter  zvith  the  New  England  group,  John  Hancock  and  Samuel  Adams 
in  a  phaeton  and  pair,  John  Adams  and  ThomcLs  dishing  in  a  one-horse  chaise, 
and  others  similarly  escorted  ivith  music,  moving  at  a  "sloiv  and  solemn  pace." 

All  proceed  to  the  front  of  the  Held,  zvhile  bells  are  heard  chiming  from^ 
among  the  trees.  The  scene  is  animated  plainly  evidencing  the  excite- 
ment of  a  coming  struggle.  Marked  attention  is  shown  the  delegates  from  Mas- 
sachusetts, the  opening  ground  of  the  war.  They  are  loudly  acclaimed.  Therd 
is  an  impressive  meeting  betzveen  the  Nezv  Englanders  and  Franklin,  who,  when 
xhe  cavalcade  reaches  him,  becomes  the  centre  of  attention. 

Franklin. —  (Solemnly.)     j\Iars  seems  to  have  established  his  empire  among  us. 
John  Adams. — The  time  has  come  for  us  to  defend  with  arms  our  property,  our 

liberty  and  our  lives. 
Voices. — Colonel  Washington !     Washington !     Washington !     Let  Washington 

lead  our  troops  to  avenge  the  blood  of  Lexington. 

Wa^shington  acknowledges  the  salutation  by  boziring  in  a  dignified  way. 
Franklin  now  comes  forward  and  is  again  the  centre  of  the  scene,  zuhile  the  Chorus 
sings 

CHORUS 

To-day  we  look  upon  the  studious  men 
Wlio  from  the  Junto  grew  to  stature  tall 

In  philosophic  thought,  and  once  again 
Across  the  vears  the  name  of  Franklin  call. 


30  The   Historical   Pageant 

I     SEMI-CHORUS   (Remembrance) 

Back  to  the  yesterdays  we  turn;    once  more 

Turn  from  sweet  Peace,  with  smiling  summer  eyes, 
To  meet  the  darkling  frown  of  horrid  War, 
Hateful  amid  his  scarlet  panoplies. 
Thro'  the  dim  twilight  comes  the  roll 

Of  Braddock's  drums,  while,  faint  and  clear, 

The  fife's  high  treble  falls ; 
And  marching  feet  press  towards  the  goal, 

The  inhospitable  frontier, 

And  lo!   we  find  commanding  here 

Him  who  to  duty's  calls 
Is  never  deaf, — the  valiant  soul, 

The  heart  which  naught  appals, — 

The  soldier  and  the  seer. 


II     SEMI-CHORUS   (Aspiration) 

While  freemen  fight  that  still  they  may  be  free, 

Hurling  defiance  back  to  arrogance. 
The  brain  of  Franklin  still  shall  find  the  key 

To  unlock  the  heart  of  France. 
He  with  persuasive  voice  and  facile  pen 

Shall  plead  the  virtues  of  his  country's  cause, 

Winning  with  eloquence. 
Battles  more  fraught  with  consequence  than  when 
Sword  meets  with  bloody  sword  and  patriots  pause 

For  swift  attack  or  obstinate  defense. 


CHORUS 

Back  to  the  city  of  their  love,  where  Penn, 

Proclaiming  full  release 
From  fetters  of  the  conscience,  had  begun 
Man's  noblest  struggle  for  the  rights  of  men, — 
Resplendent  in  the  light  of  great  deeds  done, — 
Shall  come  the  fairest  fruitage  of  sweet  Peace, — 
Franklin  the  seer, — the  patriot  Washington. 

As  the  Chorus  concludes,  the  crowd  passes  off  and  clears  the  Held  which 
is  prepared  for  the  next  scene. 


The    Words    of   the    Pageant  31 

SCENE    II 

HISTORICAL   NOTE 

The  Congress  was  in  session  constantly  in  the  last  months  of  1775  and  in  1776. 
On  June  7,  1776,  Richard  Henry  Lee,  of  Virginia,  in  obedience  to  instructions  from 
his  colony,  offered   the  following  resolutions: 

"Resolved  that  these  united  colonies  are  and  of  right  ought  to  be  free  and  inde- 
pendent states;  that  they  are  absolved  from  all  allegiance  to  the  British  Crown  and 
that  all  political  connection  between  them  and  the  state  of  Great  Britain  is  and  ought 
to  be  totally  dissolved." 

On  June  11,  a  committee  of  five  members,  consisting  of  Thomas  Jefferson  of  Vir- 
ginia, John  Adams  of  Massachusetts,  Benjamin  Franklin  of  Pennsylvania,  Roger 
Sherman  of  Connecticut  and  R.  R.  Livingston  of  New  York,  was  appointed  to  frame 
a  Declaration  of  Independence.  On  July  2,  Lee's  motion  was  adopted,  and  that  day, 
it  was  believed  by  John  Adams,  would  be  "celebrated  by  succeeding  generations  as 
the  great  anniversary  festival  commemorated  as  the  day  of  deliverance  by  solemn 
acts  of  devotion  to  God  Almighty  from  one  end  of  the  continent  to  the  other,  from 
this  time  forward  forevermore."  The  language  of  the  Declaration  was  now  discussed 
by  the  Congress.  It  was  approved  on  July  4,  which  soon  became  the  day  for  popular 
anniversary  observances.  On  July  8  the  Declaration  was  read  by  John  Nixon  from 
the  observatory  in  the  State  House  Yard,  and  the  bells  were  rung. 


CAST   OF   CHARACTERS 

John  Nixon. 
Thomas  Jefferson 
Benjamin  Franklin 
John  Adams 
Roger  Sherman 
R,  R.  Livingston 

Other  members  of  the  Congress. 

Isaac  Hunt  (father  of  Leigh  Hunt). 

Betsy  Ross. 

Lydia  Darragh. 

Sarah  Franklin  Bache. 

Deborah  Norris. 

Sally  V^ister, 

Polly  Fishbourne. 

A  mob  of  citizens. 

Companies  of  Associators. 

The  scene  shows  the  State  House  Yard  crowded  with  Colonials.  Isaac  Hunt 
(a  Tory)  paraded  in  a  cart  to  t/ic  music  of  "The  Rogue's  March,"  the  crowd  hoot- 
ing. Hunt  is  made  to  stand  up  in  the  cart  and  express  his  "extreme  pain  and  regret 
at  having  vilified  Congress,"  amid  mingled  jeers  and  cheers. 

A  band  of  Associators  enter  with  the  King's  arms,  which  they  have  torn 
dozmi  in  the  State  House  and  proceed  to  burn. 

From  the  platform,  John  Nixon,  surrounded  by  members  of  Congress,  is  read- 
ing the  Declaration   of  Independence,   the   multitude   shouting   applause.     The 


Committee  on  the  Declaration. 


32  The   Historical   Pageant 

heads  of  three  young  Quaker  misses,  Debby  Norris,  Sally  Wister  and  Polly  Fislu- 
bourne,  rise  above  the  wall  on  Fifth  Street  surrounding  the  gardens  of  the  Norris 
mansion.  At  tlw  conclusion  of  the  reading  the  State  House  bell  is  heard  pealing 
forth  "Liberty  through  all  the  land — unto  all  the  inhabitants  thereof."  Christ 
Church  and  other  bells  join  in  the  celebration. 

Th^  Philadelphia  Associators  composed  of  three  battalions  of  infantry,  under 
Colonels  Dickinson,  Roberdeau  and  Cadwalader,  march  in  and  are  drawn  up  on 
dress  parade.     During  their  evolutions  the  Chorus  sings: 


THE  PENNSYLVANIA  MARCH 
(Tune:  "I  winna  marry  any  mon  but  Sandy  o'er  the  lea.") 

"We  are  the  troops  that  ne'er  will  stoop 

To  wretched  slavery, 
Nor  shall  our  seed  by  our  base  deed 

Despised  vassals  be. 
Freedom  we  will  bequeath  to  them 

Or  we  will  bravely  die. 
Our  greatest  foe  e'er  long  shall  know 

How  much  did  Sandwich*  lie. 

"What!     Can  those  British  tyrants  think 

Our  fathers  crossed  the  main 
And  savage  foes  and  dangers  met 

To  be  enslaved  again? 
If  so  they  are  mistaken  much 

For  we  will  rather  die, 
And  since  they  have  become  our  foes 

Their  forces  we  defy." 

There  is  great  enthitsia>sm.  "Praise  God  from  Whom  All  Blessings  Flow" 
is  sung  by  the  Chorus  supported  by  the  band,  the  music  being  punctuated  by  the 
firing  of  cannon  and  the  pealing  of  bells. 

*Lord  Sandwich,  who  had  said  that  the  Americans  would  not  fight. 


The    Words    of    the    Pageant  33 


EPISODE  IV 


SCENE    I 

HISTORICAL    NOTE 

The  advance  of  the  British  army  upon  Philadelphia,  the  capital  of  the  Colonies, 
was  feared  late  in  1776.  Congress,  the  Pennsylvania  Assembly  and  many  families  fled 
for  safety.  The  operations  of  Washington's  army  around  Trenton  at  Christmas  time 
led  to  a  feeling  of  reassurance  in  the  city  and  those  who  had  departed  gradually  returned. 
The  alarm  was  renewed  in  August,  1777,  when  it  was  announced  that  a  large  fleet  had 
sailed  from  New  York.  Its  destination  was  probably  the  Delaware  River.  Washington 
moved  his  positions  restlessly  and  at  last  when  it  was  clear  that  the  ships  had  entered 
the  Chesapeake  instead  of  the  Delaware  and  that  the  troops  would  be  landed  on  the 
banks  of  the  Elk  River,  he  started  on  his  way  south.  The  ragged  regiments  passed 
through  Philadelphia  with  twigs  of  green  in  their  caps  on  August  24th,  making  the 
best  appearance  possible  in  order  to  create  a  favorable  impression  on  the  minds  of  the 
inhabitants.  They  met  the  British  army  which  was  commanded  by  Sir  William 
Howe,  on  the  field  of  Brandywine  in  Chester  County,  near  the  Maryland  line,  on 
September  11,  and  were  defeated.  The  noise  of  the  guns  was  distinctly  heard  in 
Philadelphia  and  the  people  again  sought  safety  in  flight.  Howe  moved  forward  and 
on  September  22d,  he  established  his  camp  in  Germantown.  On  September  26th, 
Cornwallis  with  a  considerable  body  of  troops  came  down  the  Second  street  road 
and  entered  Philadelphia.  Washington  meanwhile  planned  another  battle.  He  had 
been  manoeuvering  at  the  Schuylkill  fords.  On  October  4th,  his  scouts  drove  in  the 
British  outposts  at  Mount  Airy,  and  Wayne,  Sullivan  and  Conway  pressed  the  troops 
into  the  village.  They  were  soon  in  collision  with  the  Tenth  and  Fortieth  Regiments 
and  the  Second  Battalion  of  Light  Infantry.  Lieutenant-Colonel  Musgrave  of  the 
Fortieth  Regiment  in  his  flight  placed  a  body  of  his  men  in  "Cliveden,"  the  fine  stone 
country  house  of  Chief  Justice  Chew,  and  this  became  a  critical  point  in  the  ensuing 
battle.  A  considerable  part  of  the  American  forces  passed  on  to  engage  other  bodies 
of  the  British.  More  might  well  have  done  so.  The  fogs  of  October,  the  smoke  of 
the  guns  and  the  misunderstanding  among  the  American  generals  led  at  length  to  a 
precipitous  retreat.  Musgrave  held  his  position  against  a  siege  of  cannon,  sharp 
musketry  firing  and  incendiaries  until  he  was  relieved  near  the  end  of  the  engagement 
by  General  Grey. 

CAST   OF   CHARACTERS 

Americmis: 

General  Washington. 

General  Wayne. 

Generals  Sullivan,  Armstrong,  Conway,  Knox,  Maxwell,  Greene,  Reed, 

Smallwood,  Muhlenberg,  and  others. 
Captain  Allan  McLane,  with  a  party  of  his  riders. 
Three  or  four  hundred  American  troops  of  different  commands. 

British: 

Sir  William  Howe. 
General  Knyphausen  ("Old  Knyp"). 
Colonel  Musgrave,  of  the  40th  Regiment. 
Generals  Grey,  Agnew,  Grant,  Mathew,  etc. 

The  Fortieth  Regiment,  the  Second  Light  Infantry  and  other  bodies  of  British 
soldiery. 


34  The    Historical   Pageant 

CHORUS 

We  stand  to-day  upon  the  sacred  soil 

Trodden  of  patriot  feet  when  war's  alarms 

Flung  their  rude  summons  on  the  ears  of  toil 
From  far  across  the  brown  and  sunlit  farms. 

I     SEMI-CHORUS   (Remembrance) 

Here  stood  pale  Kelpius,  fleeing  from  the  stress 

Of  this  fair  world's  alluring  comradeships, 
Where  the  sad  Woman-in-the- Wilderness 

Waited  her  radiant  Lord's  apocalypse. 
Pastorius  the  learned  and  austere, 

Bringing  his  gift  of  tongues  to  quell  each  strife. 
And  with  his  words  of  comfort  oft  to  cheer 

The  grim  privations  of  a  pilgrim's  life. 
So  from  the  pages  of  the  storied  past 

We  glean  the  lesson  of  work  well  begun, 
And  as  our  lives  a  longer  shadow  cast. 

Learn  deeper  reverence  for  the  men  who  won 
From  hard  inhospitable  rocks  the  means 

To  rear  the  hearthstones  of  our  stalwart  sires 
And  plant  a  standard  mid  Earth's  shifting  scenes 

And  Life's  elusive  and  inconstant  fires. 

H     SEMI-CHORUS  (Aspiration) 

And  there  shall  come  an  echo  on  the  air 

Of  Musgrave's  volleys  and  the  iron  roar 
Of  Conway's  guns  pounding  their  answer  there 

On  window  barred  and  barricaded  door. 
And  soon  the  roadways  of  the  startled  town, 

Shall  gleam  with  bayonets  glinting  in  the  sun. 
And  we  shall  hear  the  horsemen  charging  down, 

Obedient  to  the  word  of  Washington. 

CHORUS 

And  tho'  the  mists  of  gathering  years  may  blot 
Each  scutcheon  and  each  hallowed  shrine  profane, 

No  noble  word  is  ever  quite  forgot 

Nor  any  high  ideal  wrought  out  in  vain. 

The  Scene  is  set  with  the  Chew  House  at  one  side  of  the  field.  Statues  are 
disposed  upon  the  lawn.  A  British  Light  Infantry  sentry  is  seen  in  middle  dis- 
tance, walking  back  and  forth.  From  the  left,  a  relief  party  approaches  the  sen- 
tinel, who  halts.    All  retire  at  "double  time."    In  middle  distance  now  are  seen 


The    Words    of   the    Pageant  35 

Washington,  Wayne  and  other  American  Generals  advancing.  They  ride  up  and 
dismount  for  a  conference  near  the  front  of  the  field.  They  mount  again  and 
retire  rapidly  to  rear  and  out  of  sight. 

A  body  of  British  Light  Infantry  now  appear  and  form  in  "open  order." 
Wayne  comes  forward  ztnth  his  men.  The  battle  begins  by  sounding  the  Light 
Infantry  drum.  Wayne  keeps  advancing  and  driving  the  British  before  him,  his 
men  shouting,  "Have  at  the  bloodhounds.  Remember  Paoli."  The  Fortieth 
Regiment  is  brought  forzvard  to  support  the  Light  Infantry.  General  Howe  rides 
up  and  shouts,  "For  shame  Light  Infantry.  I  never  saw  you  retreat  befgre."  But 
the  retreat  continues.  The  Fortieth  Regiment  takes  refuge  in  the  Chew  House. 
They  close  the  shutters  of  the  house  on  the  first  story  and  barricade  the  doors. 
The  red  coats  are  seen  at  the  upper-story  windows.  Some  appear  upon  the  roof. 
The  Americans  stop  to  survey  the  improvised  fort  and  send  out  Lieutenant^ 
Colonel  Smith  with  a  white  Hag,  summoning  the  "garrison"  to  surrender.  Smith 
is  shot  down  and  a  general  engagement  is  begun  between  the  British  at  the  win- 
doivs  and  the  Americans  disposed  upon  the  lazmt.  A  log  is  brought  up  and  an 
effort  is  made  to  batter  in  the  front  door.  The  Chevalier  Duplessis  and  John 
Laurens  go  for  straw  and  attempt  to  set  fire  to  the  house.  They  are  beaten  back 
and  return  to  the  American  lines.  Some  small  guns  are  brought  up  for  a  bom- 
bardment. 

The  Fortieth  Regiment  in  the  house  is  relieved  at  length  by  the  men  from  the 
Seventeenth  and  Forty-fourth  Regiments  under  General  Grey.  As  the  Americans 
retire.  General  Agneiv  is  seen  to  fall  from  his  horse.  He  is  caught  by  some  sol- 
diers standing  near  and  placed  in  a  litter.  The  Sixteenth  Light  Dragoons  appear 
and  follow  the  British  Foot  off  the  field. 

SCENE    II 

HISTORICAL   NOTE 

It  is  credibly  asserted  that  Sir  William  Howe,  thinking  that  the  battle  of  German- 
town  would  .result  in  his  defeat,  had  planned  a  retreat  to  Chester.  The  retirement  of 
the  Americans  from  this  ill-managed  engagement  to  camps  at  a  greater  distance  from 
the  city  (at  a  little  later  date  to  Valley  Forge),  led  to  Howe's  resolution  to  remain 
in  Philadelphia.  The  city  offered  him  a  pleasant  winter  rendezvous.  He  and  his 
officers  quartered  themselves  in  the  best  Quaker  homes.  The  public  buildings  became 
hospitals,  barrack  rooms  and  stables.  The  entire  city  was  soon  converted  into  an 
armed  camp  lor  upwards  of  thirty  British  regiments,  and  large  auxiliary  bodies  of 
German  and  Loyalist  troops.  Many  Tories  accompanied  the  army  to  occupy  the 
houses  and  shops  of  the  Whigs  who  had  sought  safer  retreats. 

CAST   OF   CHARACTERS 

Tlie  troops  used  in  the  first  scene,  together  with  the  Forty-second  Highlanders 
(''Black  Watch"),  Hessian  Jaegers,  Queen's  Rangers,  etc. 

The  Forty-second  Highlanders  are  seen  marching  and  countermarching,  to 
the  music  of  the  pipers.  The  Queen's  Rangers,  a  Tory  Regiment  under  comynand 
of  Lieutenant-Colonel  Simcoe,  and  other  bodies  of  British  soldiery  appear  and  go 
dozi'n  to  the  river  to  receive  Sir  William  Hozvc  and  Lord  Howe,  who  are  assembled 
for  the  next  scene. 


36  The   Historical   Pageant 

SCENE    III 

HISTORICAL   NOTE 

While  Washington  and  his  troops  suffered  the  gravest  hardships  among  the  hills 
at  Valley  Forge,  Howe  and  his  army  were  comfortably  ensconced  in  Philadelphia. 
The  river  was  opened  to  the  British  fleet,  and  Admiral  Lord  Howe  (Sir  William 
Howe's  brother)  came  up  with  large  quantities  of  supplies.  The  young  officers  found 
a  welcome  in  the  city's  Tory  homes,  and  the  winter  was  marked  by  much  social  gayety. 
"Assemblies,  concerts,  clubs  and  the  like,"  wrote  a  captain  of  the  Hessian  Jaegers, 
"make  us  forget  there  is  any  war  save  that  it  is  a  capital  joke."  Sir  William  Howe's 
indolence  at  length  led  to  his  recall,  and  just  prior  to  the  taking  of  the  resolve  to 
evacuate  the  city  he  was  superseded  in  command  by  Sir  Henry  Clinton.  His  brother 
officers,  led  by  the  ill-fated  Andre,  in  token  of  their  esteem,  arranged,  before  his 
departure,  a  noteworthy  festival  which  they  called  the  Mischianza,  or  more  properly 
the  Meschianza  (an  Italian  word  meaning  a  medley),  for  May  18,  1778.  It  included 
a  regatta  on  the  Delaware  River  participated  in  by  "swarms"  of  decorated  boats,  a 
tournament  at  "Walnut  Grove,"  some  distance  south  of  the  city,  the  home  of  Joseph 
Wharton,  a  wealthy  Quaker  merchant,  and  in  the  evening,  a  ball,  a  supper,  and  an 
elaborate  exhibition  of  fireworks. 

CAST    OF    CHARACTERS 

Sir  William  Howe. 

Lord  Howe. 

Sir  Henry  Clinton. 

Lord  Cornwallis. 

General  Knyphausen. 

Other  British  officers,  grenadiers,  dragoons,  chasseurs,  etc. 

Sir  John  Wrottlesley,  Colonel  O'Hara,  Major  Gardiner  and  Captain  J.  F. 

Montresor,  managers  of  the  Meschianza. 
Major  Gwynne,  Marshal  of  the  Field. 

Knights  of  the  Blended  Rose  (White  Knights): 

Lord   Cathcart  of  the   17th  Dragoons,  chief  knight,   with  two   esquires   and 

slaves. 
Hon.  Captain  Cathcart  of  the  23rd  Regiment,  first  knight,  with  one  esquire. 
Lieutenant  Bygrove  of  the  i6th  Dragoons,  second  knight,  with  one  esquire. 
Captain  John  Andre  of  the  26th  Regiment,  third  knight,  with  one  esquire. 
Captain  Horneck  of  the  Guards,  fourth  knight,  with  one  esquire. 
Captain  Matthews  of  the  41st  Regiment,  fifth  knight,  with  one  esquire. 
Lieutenant  Sloper  of  the  17th  Dragoons,  sixth  knight,  with  one  esquire. 
Herald. 
Trumpeters. 

Knights  of  the  Burning  Mountain  (Black  Knights): 

Captain  Watson  of  the  Guards,  chief  knight,  with  two  esquires  and  slaves. 
Lieutenant  Underwood  of  the  loth  Regiment,  first  knight,  with  one  esquire. 
Lieutenant  Winyard  of  the  64th  Regiment,  second  knight,  with  one  esquire. 
Lieutenant  Delaval  of  the  4th  Regiment,  third  knight,  with  one  esquire. 
M.  Montluissant  of  the  Hessian  Chasseurs,  fourth  knight,  with  one  esquire. 


The    Words    of   the   Pageant  37 


Lieutenant  Hobart.  oi  the  7th  Reti^iment,  fifth  knight  with  one  esquire. 

Brigade-Major  Tarleton,  sixth  knight,  with  one  esquire. 

Herald. 

Trumpeters. 

Ladies  of  the  Bleiided  Rose: 

Miss  Auchmuty,  chief  knight's  lady. 
Miss  Nancy  White,  first  lady. 
Miss  Jane  Craig,  second  lady. 
Miss  Peggy  Chew,  third  lady. 
Miss  Nancy  Redman,  fourth  lady. 
Miss  Williamina  Bond,  fifth  lady. 
Miss  Mary  Shippen,  sixth  lady. 

Ladies  of  the  Burning  Mountain: 

Miss  Rebecca  Franks,  chief  knight's  lady. 

Miss  Sarah  Shippen,  first  lady. 

Miss  Peggy  Shippen  (afterwards  Mrs.  Benedict  Arnold)  second  lady. 

Miss  Becky  Bond,  third  lady. 

Miss  Becky  Redman,  fourth  lady. 

Miss  Sophia  Chew,  fifth  lady. 

Miss  Williamina  Smith,  sixth  lady. 

A  company  of  spectators  drawn  from  the  Tory  families  of  the  city. 

The  scene  shozcs  the  gardens  surrounding  the  Wharton  House,  "Walnut 
Grove."  Tzvo  arches  lead  to  the  river,  one  a  naval  arch  dedicated  to  Lord  Hozve, 
the  other  a  military  arch  dedicated  to  Sir  William  Hozve.  Betzveen  them  is  the 
tilting  ground,  lined  zvith  troops.  At  each  side  a  paznlion  for  the  tzvo  parties 
of  ladies  in  zvhose  honor  the  tournament  is  given  and  for  the  officers  and  other 
spectators.  The  tzvo  parties  of  ladies  enter  from  the  house.  The  General  and 
the  Admiral  zvith  their  retinues,  headed  by  music,  come  up  from  the  river  through 
a  double  file  of  Grenadiers,  supported  by  horse,  under  the  standards  of  the 
several  regiments,  and  take  their  places.  They  are  greeted  zinth  plaudits,  the 
ladies  scattering  flozvers  before  them  and  the  troops  presenting  arms.  The  sound 
of  trumpets  is  heard.  The  trumpeters  enter  the  quadrangle  follozved  by  the 
herald  and  the  seven  knights  of  the  Blended  Rose,  mounted  on  zvhite  horses,  zvith 
their  esquires.     The  procession  moves  around  the  field  saluting  the  ladies. 

White  Herald. — The  Knights  of  the  Blended  Rose,  by  me  their  Herald  pro- 
claim and  assert  that  the  Ladies  of  the  Blended  Rose  excel  in  wit,  beauty 
and  every  accomplishment  those  of  the  whole  world,  and  should  any  knight 
or  knights  be  so  hardy  as  to  dispute  or  deny  it,  they  are  ready  to  enter 
the  lists  with  them  and  maintain  their  assertions  by  deeds  of  arms,  accord- 
ing to  the  laws  of  ancient  chivalry. 


38  The   Historical   Pageant 

Three  times  he  makes  the  proclamation  from  different  parts  of  the  field. 
Trumpets  are  heard  again,  announcing  the  Black  Herald  zvho  parleys  zmth  the 
White  Herald.  He  orders  his  trumpets  to  sound  and  proclaims  defiance  to  the 
challenge. 

Black  Herald. — The  Knights  of  the  Burning  Mountain  enter  these  Hsts  not  to 
contend  with  words,  but  to  disprove  by  deeds  of  arms,  the  vainglorious 
assertions  of  the  Knights  of  the  Blended  Rose,  and  to  show  that  the  ladies 
of  the  Burning  Mountain  as  far  excel  all  others  in  charms  as  the  knights 
themselves  surpass  all  others  in  prowess. 

Going  out,  he  brings  in  the  Black  Knights  all  mounted  on  black  horses,  who 
ride  around  the  field,  saluting  the  ladies.  They  draw  up  in  front  of  the  White 
Knights.  The  chief  of  the  White  Knights  having  throivn  down  his  gauntlet,  the 
chief  of  the  Black  Knights  orders  his  esquire  to  take  it  up.  The  knights  are 
presented  with  their  shields  and  lances  by  their  esquires.  The  trumpets  sound 
the  charge.  At  the  first  meeting  the  lances  are  shivered;  at  the  second  and  third 
charges,  pistols  are  fired;  at  the  fourth,  swords  are  used.  Then  the  chief  knights 
of  the  opposing  sides.  Lord  Cathcart  and  Captain  Watson,  ride  to  the  centre  of 
the  field  and  engage  in  single  combat  with  their  swords  until  parted  by  the 
Marshal  who  rushes  upon  the  field. 

Marshal  Gwynne. — Your  fair  ladies  command  you  to  desist  from  further  com- 
bat as  you  prize  their  future  favors.  They  are  perfectly  satisfied  with  the 
proofs  of  your  love. 

The  knights  now  form  a  line,  each  black  knight  beside  a  white  knight  in 
token  of  the  restoration  of  friendship.  They  ride  in  front  of  the  stands,  ectch 
saluting  his  lady.     Flowers  are  showered  upon  them. 

The  bands  play  and  all  sing  "God  Save  the  King."  The  officers,  ladies  and 
guests  pass  into  the  house,  and  so  leave  the  field.  The  troops  pass  off  in  the 
ether  direction. 


The    Words    of   the   Pageant  39 

EPISODE   V 

HISTORICAL   NOTE 

Franklin  left  Philadelphia  on  October  26,  1776,  accredited  as  one  of  the  American 
ambassadors  to  the  court  of  France.  His  associates  were  Silas  Deane  and  Arthur  Lee. 
Congress  had  the  hope  of  presenting  the  cause  of  the  Colonies  in  such  a  light  that 
the  King  would  enter  the  war  as  an  ally.  An  old  rival  of  England  on  the  American 
continent,  a  traditional  enemy  in  Europe,  it  would  be  easy,  it  was  conceived,  to  secure 
assistance  in  that  quarter.  Franklin  remained  at  Paris  for  nine  years.  From  the 
beginning  he  outshone  his  colleagues.  His  fame  had  preceded  him.  His  tactful 
conduct  increased  his  vogue  and  his  mission  became  one  of  the  most  remarkable  in 
the  history  of  diplomacy.  He  was  a  favorite  at  court  and  the  idol  of  the  people. 
His  personality  made  him  a  principal  influence  in  bringing  about  the  treaty  which, 
after  the  Battle  of  Germantown  and  the  surrender  of  Burgoyne,  was  concluded  between 
France  and  the  United  States.  He  and  his  associates  were  received  at  court  in  March, 
1778,  when  the  alliance  was  publicly  avowed  and  celebrated.  He  enjoyed  another 
notable  reception  in  April,  1779,  in  testimony  of  his  appointment  as  the  sole  American 
plenipotentiary  to  France.  It  was  on  this  occasion,  according  to  tradition,  that  a 
lady  of  the  court  placed  a  wreath  of  laurel  upon  his  brow  (celebrated  in  the  familiar 
picture  at  the  court  of  France),  "but  he  was  the  recipient  of  so  much  attention  of  this 
kind  at  Versailles  and  elsewhere  during  his  residence  abroad  that  it  is  difficult  to 
assign  the  scene  which  follows  to  a  particular  date. 

CAST   OF   CHARACTERS 

Louis  XVI,  King  of  France. 

Marie  Antoinette,  Queen  of  France. 

Princess  Lamballe,  her  friend. 

Count  de  Vergennes,  Minister  of  Foreign  Affairs. 

Ministers,  nobles,  ladies  of  honor,  ladies  in  waiting,  other  ladies  of  the  Court. 

Benjamin  Franklin. 

Swiss  Guards  in  their  ancient  dress,  French  soldiers,  priests,  etc. 

CHORUS 
Hail !     Franklin,  ambassador,  brother. 

Philosopher,  patriot,  hail! 
The  love  of  our  lands  for  each  other 

Is  a  light  that  shall  never  turn  pale. 

We  bow  to  the  roses  of  beauty, 

We  drink  to  the  fruit  of  the  vine. 
But  our  paramount  love  is  for  our  duty, — 

For  the  strength  of  the  oak  and  pine. 

Our  songs  with  all  joys  are  a-quiver, 

Yet  find  their  fruition  in  thee 
As  the  silvery  laugh  of  the  river 

Grows  still  in  the  calm  of  the  sea. 

Hail !     Franklin,  ambassador,  brother 
Philosopher,  patriot.     Hail! 


40  The   Historical   Pageant 

The  scene  shows  the  ornamental  gardens  at  Versailles.  The  King  and  Queen 
with  their  retinue  enter.  The  priests  cry,  "Vivat  Rex  in  acternum!"  Cries  of 
"Vive  Louis!"  "Vive  Antoinette!"  "Long  Live  the  King!"  Franklin  enters 
in  a  sedan  chair,  with  two  or  three  attendants,  while  the  white  lily-dotted 
Hag  of  the  France  of  tlie  Bourbons  is  lowered  in  salute.  There  ctre  crieis 
of  "Vive  Franklin!"  "Vive  I'ambassadeur  des  treize  provinces  unies!"  "Vive 
I'Amerique!"  "Vive  le  grand  Franklin!"  He  steps  from  his  sedan  leaning  upon 
a  staff.  With  long  grey  locks  unpowdered  and  his  simple  dress,  he  is  welcomed 
as  a  kind  of  nezv  Solon  or  Lycurgus.  He  is  received  by  the  King  and  Queen. 
A  lady  places  a  wreath  upon  his  head  and  kisses  his  cheek.  The  ladies  and  theif 
gentlemen  attendants  dance  a  minuet. 


The    Words    of   the    Pageant 


41 


EPISODE   VI 


SCENE    I 

HISTORICAL  NOTE 

The  bonds  which  held  the  states  together  after  the  Revolution  were  weak;  they 
grew  weaker  as  the  enthusiasm  of  war  subsided  and  made  way  for  the  interests  and 
tasks  of  peace.  During  the  summer  of  1787,  a  convention  of  delegates  from  the  states 
met  at  the  State  House  under  the  presidency  of  General  Washington  and  framed  a 
Constitution.  It  was  adopted  on  September  17th  and  was  sent  out  at  once  to  be 
ratified.  It  should  become  effective  when  nine  states  approved  it.  Delaware  voted 
in  its  favor  on  December  7th,  Pennsylvania  on  December  12th  and  New  Jersey  on 
December  13th.  These  three  states  were  followed  by  Georgia,  Connecticut,  Massachu- 
setts, Maryland  and  South  Carolina  in  the  order  named.  The  ninth  state  to  ratify 
the  Constitution  was  New  Hampshire  on  June  21,  1788.  Arrangements  were  at  once 
begun  for  a  celebration  in  Philadelphia  for  the  4th  of  July,  1788.  Before  that  time, 
news  was  received  that  Virginia,  the  tenth  state,  had  approved  the  work  of  the 
Convention.  Only  North  Carolina,  New  York  and  Rhode  Island  remained  out  of  the 
Union.  The  celebration  took  the  form  of  a  well  planned  parade  through  the  streets, 
called  the  Federal  Procession.  Two  structures,  the  Grand  Federal  Edifice  or  "New 
Roof",  showing  13  columns,  three  of  which  were  incomplete,  and  the  Federal  Ship 
Union  built  upon  the  lines  of  a  frigate  of  the  day,  were  marked  objects.  Many 
prominent  citizens  rode  and  walked  in  the  procession  which  was  dispersed  at  "Union 
Green"  upon  the  grounds  of  "Bush  Hill",  the  Hamilton  mansion  northwest  of  the 
city.  Here  James  Wilson  delivered  an  oration  and  there  were  other  appropriate 
ceremonies. 


Mounted  figures  in  the  Federal  Procession 


of  the  Supreme  Court  of  Pennsylvania, 
in  their  robes  of  office. 


CAST  OF   CHARACTERS 
John  Nixon 
Thomas  Fitzsimmons 
George  Clymer 
Colonel  John  Shee 
Richard  Bache 
Peter  Muhlenberg 
Chief  Justice  McKean  >. 

Judge  William  Augustus  Atlee  l 
Judge  Jacob  Rush  J 

Duncan  Ingraham,  New  Hampshire 
Jonathan  Williams,  Jr.,  Massachusetts 
Jared  Ingersoll,  Connecticut 
Samuel  Stockton,  New  Jersey 
James  Wilson,  Pennsylvania 
Col.  Thomas  Robinson,  Delaware 
J.  E.  Howard,  Maryland 
Col.  Febiger,  Virginia 
W.  Ward  Burrows,  South  Carolina 
George  Meade,  Georgia 


Representatives  of  the  ten  rati- 
fying states  walking  arm  in  arm 
with  flags. 


Representatives  of  the  citizens  at  large  to  whom  the 
>  Constitution  was  committed  by  the  Convention  of  1787 
seated  in  the  Federal  Edifice. 


42  The   Historical   Pageant 

Hilary  Baker 

George  Latimer 

John  Wharton 

John  Nesbitt 

Samuel  Morris 

John  Brown 

Tench  Francis 

Joseph  Anthony 

John  Chaloner 

Benjamin  Fuller 

Colonel  William  Williams  in  armor. 

Consuls  and  representatives  of  powers  in  Philadelphia  in  friendly  relations  with 

the  United   States, — France,  United  Netherlands,   Sweden,   Prussia  and 

Morocco. 
Thomas  Bell  who  bears  a  flag  of  the  United  States. 
A  citizen  and  an  Indian  chief  smoking  the  calumet  of  peace. 
William  Hamilton,  the  proprietor  of  "Bush  Hill." 
Pelatiah  Webster,  merchant,  economist  and  pamphleteer. 
Twelve  axemen. 
Members  of  trade  bodies  in  the  procession,  citizens,  etc. 

The  Chorus  renders  the  ode  composed  by  Francis  Hopkinson  in  honor  of  the 
ratification  of  the  Constitution^: 

"Oh !  for  a  muse  of  fire  to  mount  the  skies. 

And  to  a  listening  world  proclaim — 
Behold  !  behold  !  an  empire  rise ! 
An  era  new,  Time  as  he  flies, 

Hath  entered  in  the  book  of  Fame. 
On  Alleghany's  tow'ring  head 
Echo  shall  stand — the  tidings  spread, 
And  o'er  the  lakes  and  misty  floods  around 

An  era  new  resound. 
See  where  Columbia  sits  alone. 
And  from  her  star-bespangled  throne 
Beholds  the  gay  procession  move  along. 
And  hears  the  trumpet  and  the  choral  song. 

She  hears  her  sons  rejoice — 
Looks  into  future  times,  and  sees 
The  num'rous  blessings  Heav'n  decrees, 
And  with  her  plaudit,  joins  the  general  voice. 
Hail  to  this  festival ! — all  hail  the  day ! 
Columbia's  standard  on  her  roof  display; 
And  let  the  people's  motto  ever  be : 
'United  thus,  and  thus  united,  free!"* 


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The    Words    of   the   Pageant  43 

The  scene  shows  the  space  called  "Union  Green"  in  front  of  Hamilton's 
"Bush  Hill."  Disposed  upon  the  Held,  are  the  Federal  Ship  Union  completely 
manned  and  the  "New  Roof"  or  Grand  Federal  Edifice  with  its  thirteen  Corinthian 
columns,  three  of  zvhich  are  incomplete,  to  indicate  that  three  states  yet  remain  out 
of  the  Union. 

The  ten  gentlemen  who  occupy  chairs  under  the  dome  and  who  represent 
the  citizens  at  large,  vacate  them  and  surrender  their  places  to  the  ten  repre- 
sentatives of  the  states  who  had  earlier  walked  arm  in  arm  in  the  procession. 
The  states  are  now  declared  to  he  "in  unison"  amid  loud  huzzas.  Each  delegate 
who  enters  the  temple  hangs  the  Hag  which  he  carried  in  the  procession,  upon 
its  appropriate  column.  Ten  toasts  in  honor  of  the  ten  states  are  announced  by 
trumpet  and  are  followed  by  a  discharge  of  artillery. 


SCENE    II 

HISTORICAL    NOTE 

George  Washington  was  elected  President  and  John  Adams  Vice-President  of  the 
Union  which  was  established  under  the  Constitution.  Congress  met  and  the  govern- 
ment was  started  on  its  way  in  New  York  in  April,  1789.  It  was  soon  resolved  to 
place  the  capital  in  Philadelphia  where  it  was  to  remain  for  ten  years  until  a  site 
could  be  prepared  for  a  new  city  on  the  banks  of  the  Potomac  in  the  District  of 
Columbia.  Washington  took  up  his  residence  in  Philadelphia  in  November,  1790,  and 
Congress  met  here  a  few  days  later.  The  President  was  everywhere  acclaimed  as 
"the  hero  of  the  Western  world,"  and  was  the  mark  for  many  popular  demonstrations. 
His  arrival  from  and  his  departure  for  his  "seat"  in  Virginia,  his  birthday,  the  Fourth 
of  July  and  other  occasions  received  ceremonious  observance.  The  scene  which 
follows  represents  the  President  at  Gray's  Gardens  at  Gray's  Ferry,  a  handsomely 
embellished  pleasure  ground  on  the  high  road  to  the  South,  where  he  was  so  frequently 
a  guest. 

CAST    OF    CHARACTERS 

George  Washington. 

Mrs.  Washington. 

John  Adams. 

Mrs.  Adams. 

Alexander  Hamilton. 

Thomas  Jefferson. 

Robert  Morris. 

Mrs,  Morris. 

William  Bingham. 

Mrs.  Bingham. 

Thomas  Mifflin,  President  of  Pennsylvania. 

Thomas  McKean,  Chief  Justice  of  Pennsylvania. 

Major  William  Jackson. 

Other  officers  of  the  Federal  and  State  Governments ;    ladies  and  gentlemen  of 

Philadelphia. 
An  escort  of  militiamen. 


44  The   Historical   Pageant 

The  scene  is  Gray's  Gardens  early  in  Washington's  first  admimstration. 

''All  love  their  oimi  Schuylkill's  romantic  soft  tide 
And  pay  their  devotion  at  Gray's." 

Tea  tables  are  set  upon  the  green.  A  "Federal  Temple"  composed  of  an  arch 
of  twelve  stones,  one  for  each  of  the  colonies  'already  in  the  Union  and  a  keystone 
for  Rhode  Island  which  has  just  ratified  the  Constitution.  The  Federal  Ship 
"Union"  which  was  used  in  the  Federal  Procession  in  lySS  and  for  several  years 
afterzvard  zvas  a  popular  attraction  at  Gray's  Gardens.  The  ladies  and  gentle- 
men representing  the  best  Colonial  society  at  the  "Republican  Court"  enter  and 
await  the  arrival  of  Washington.  He  comes  on  a  zvhite  charger.  Mrs.  Wash- 
ington rides  in  the  famous  family  coach.  When  the  President  is  seen,  the  band 
strikes  up  "Washington's  March."  As  he  dismounts  "God  Save  Great  Washing- 
ton" set  to  the  tune  of  "God  Save  the  King"  is  sung.  The  crowd  shouts  "Long 
Live  Great  Washington!"  "Long  live  the  Father  of  his  Country!"  Children 
wave  a  welcome  from  the  ship  "Union"  which  is  entunned  with  French  and 
American  Hags.  Thirteen  young  men  dressed  as  shepherds  and  thirteen  young 
women  dressed  as  shepherdesses  come  out  of  the  grove  and  proceed  to  the 
"Federal  Temple"  where  the  keystone  is  put  in  place  in  honor  of  the  ratification 
of  Rhode  Island.     The  Federal  salute  of  thirteen  guns  is  fired. 


SCENE    III 

HISTORICAL    NOTE 

As  Washington's  administration  advanced  the  radicals  allowed  their  sympathies 
for  France,  where  the  course  of  affairs  underwent  direful  changes  daily,  to  run  away 
with  their  good  sense.  The  Bastille  fell  in  1789,  the  year  in  which  our  republic  was 
being  established.  Louis  XVI  was  beheaded  in  January,  1793,  and  Marie  Antoinette 
went  to  the  guillotine  in  October,  1793.  The  birthday  of  the  King  of  France  was 
celebrated  in  Philadelphia  no  longer.  France,  too,  would  be  a  republic  like  the 
United  States.  Frenchmen  as  well  as  Americans  would  be  free  and  equal — brothers 
of  one  great  family.  They  had  helped  us  to  gain  our  liberties;  we  must  now  aid 
them.  The  first  French  republican  minister  to  the  United  States  was  Citizen  Edmund 
Charles  Genet.  He  landed  at  Charleston,  S.  C,  from  a  French  frigate,  "L' Ambus- 
cade," in  April,  1793.  The  vessel  came  up  the  Delaware  on  May  2,  with  the  bonnet  rouge 
at  its  topmasts.  Genet  meanwhile  proceeded  northward  overland,  arousing  the  sym- 
pathies of  the  people  along  the  way.  He  reached  Gray's  Ferry  on  May  i6th,  where 
he  was  welcomed  by  a  crowd  of  citizens.  The  city  went  French  mad,  and  the  excite- 
ment continued  for  several  years.  Mobs  of  men,  women  and  children,  Americans, 
Frenchmen  and  West  Indians,  white,  yellow  and  black,  aimed  to  move  Washington, 
John  Adams,  Alexander  Hamilton,  Robert  Morris  and  the  Federalists  from  the  position 
of  neutrality  on  the  subject  of  French  matters  in  Europe  which  they  had  assumed. 
The  scene  is  a  representation  of  one  of  several  similar  civic  festivals  in  the  French 
republican  interest  in  the  streets  and  squares,  on  the  commons  and  in  the  pleasure 
gardens  of   Philadelphia. 


The    Words    of   the    Pageant  45 

CAST    OF    CHARACTERS 

Citizen  Edmund  Charles  Genet,  Minister  Plenipotentiary  from  the  Republic 

of  France. 
M.  DE  Ternant,  the  French  Minister  Resident  under  the  monarchy. 
M.  DE  LA  Forest,  the  Consul-general  of  France. 
Their  secretaries  and  attendants. 
Citizen    Bompard,    commanding    officer    of   the    "L'Ambuscade,"    the    French 

frigate,  in  the  harbor,  with  a  party  of  naval  officers  and  sailors. 
David  Rittenhouse. 
Charles  Biddle. 
Jonathan  D.  Sergeant. 
P.  S.  Duponceau. 
James  Hutchinson. 
A.  J.  Dallas. 
Thomas  Leiper. 
Mathew  Carey. 
Michael  Leib. 

Other  leading  citizens  of  French  sympathies. 
A  mob  of  men,  women  and  children  in  which  many  French  people  are  seen. 

CHORUS 

Liberty  glorious !  in  thy  name 

What  crimes  are  wreaked  on  human  kind ! 
Equality !  what  brands  of  shame, 

Forged  from  thy  seal,  burn  reason  blind ! 
Fraternity,  that  still  should  be 

The  countersign  of  man  to  man, 
Alas !  that  men  should  find  in  thee 

Excuse  to  thwart  God's  noblest  plan ! 

The  scene  is  the  ground  at  Centre  Square  where  am,  obelisk  is  set  up  hearing 
inscriptions  which  indicate  its  dedication  to  liberty.  The  crowd  enters  to  the 
music  of  "Yankee  Doodle"  which  soon  changes  to  "Ca  Ira." 

Boys  and  girls  take  their  places  around  the  pedestal.  Men  walk  two  and 
two  with  oak  boughs  in  their  hands;  women  with  flowers  which  they  strew 
around  the  pedestal.  The  crowd  displays  great  animation,  the  boys  and  girls 
dancing,  men  giving  each  other  the  "fraternal  embrace,"  calling  each  other  "Citi- 
zen" and  shouting  "Vive  la  Republique!"  "Live  Free  or  Die!"  etc. 

The  Scene  is  made  gay  ivith  the  American  flag  and  the  French  tri-color.. 
Men  and  zvomen  exhibit  the  tri-colored  cockade  in  their  hats  and  at  their  breasts. 
Some  wear  the  red  cap  of  liberty  or  hold  it  aloft  on  pike-staffs.     When  "Ca  Irc^" 


46  The   Historical   Pageant 


is  finished  the  orchestra  plays  "La  Carmagnole."  Men  and  women  now  join 
hands  and  dance  around  liberty  trees.  One  takes  off  his  scarlet  liberty  cap  and 
tosses  it  upon  the  ground;  a  crozud  dances  around  it.  As  Genet  enters,  accom^ 
panied  by  Bompard  and  the  sailors,  he  is  given  a  wild  welcome. 

The  crowd  takes  up  the  refrain  and  shouts,  "Citizen  Genet!"  "The  Republic 
of  France!"  "The  rights  of  Man!"  A  crowd  at  one  side  of  the  field  cries, 
"Long  live  the  Friends  of  Liberty!"  and  another  at  the  other  side  of  the  field 
responds,  "Long  Live  the  Friends  of  Liberty!"  Fifteen  guns  boom  the  Federal 
salute  from  the  river  (Vermont  and  Kentucky  having  by  this  time  joined  the 
thirteen  States  in  the  Union.)  The  crowd  after  a  while  seizes  Genet  and  he  is 
carried  off  on  their  shotdders  through  the  wood  towards  the  river,  singing  the 
"Marseillaise." 

CHORUS 

"Ye  sons  of  France,  awake  to  glory, 

Hark !     Hark !     What  myriads  bid  thee  rise. 
Your  children,  wives  and  grandsires  hoary. 

Behold  their  tears  and  hear  their  cries. 
Shall  hateful  tyrants  mischief  breeding 

With  hireling  hosts,  a  ruffian  band. 

Affright  and  desolate  the  land. 
While  peace  and  liberty  lie  bleeding? 

To  arms  !     To  arms !  ye  brave ! 

Th'  avenging  sword  unsheath ! 
March  on!     March  on!     All  hearts  resolved 

On  victory  or  death !" 

As  the  sound  dies  away  in  the  distance  the  chords  of  a  stately  chant  are 
heard,  and  the  Chorus  sings. 

CHORUS 

Land  of  a  thousand  hills, 

Land  of  far  rolling  plains. 

Think  of  thy  destiny,  noble,  uplifting, — 

Think  of  thy  mother's  pangs. 

Dear  land  of  liberty, 

Think  of  the  patriot  blood 

Shed  at  thy  birthing. 

Then  shall  thy  soul  abhor 

License  that  murders  shame, 

Then  shall  thy  vision  clear 

See  what  a  gulf  divides 

License  from  Liberty. 


The    Words    of   the    Pageant  47 


SEMI-CHORUS  (Remembrance) 

Dream  of  the  days  that  lent 
Sunlight  and  life  to  thee. 


SEMI-CHORUS   (Aspiration) 

Hope  for  the  days  to  come, 
Regal,  resplendent. 


CHORUS 

Dream  of  the  days  that  were, 
Hope  for  the  days  to  come, 
Land  of  a  thousand  hills, 
Dear  land  of  Liberty ! 

As  the  last  lines  are  sung  the  -figure  of  President  Washington,  mounted  as 
in  the  last  scene,  appears  at  one  side  of  the  Held.  He  brings  his  steed  to  a  full 
stop  and  looks  tozvard  the  river.  He  is  espied  by  the  rear  guard  of  the  mob. 
Many  turn,  and,  running,  crowd  around  him.  Recovering  their  mental  aplomb, 
they  cheer  him  lustily.  He  rides  up  the  Held  and  moves  oif  to  the  strains  of  the 
"President's  March." 


48  The   Historical   Pageant 


EPISODE   VII 

HISTORICAL    NOTE 

The  establishment  of  a  national  feeling  was  difficult  until  after  a  second  war 
with  Great  Britain.  French  and  English  sympathies  which  had  formed  a  dividing 
ground  for  parties  for  years  then  made  way  for  a  strong  native  sentiment  and  for 
some  purely  American  ideals.  Embargoes  and  non-intercourse  acts,  outrages  upon 
shipping  at  sea  led  in  1812  to  open  hostilities.  Armed  vessels  went  out  and  came 
in  to  the  Delaware.  The  heroes  of  sea  battles  were  honored  by  the  people.  The  town 
of  Lewes  was  bombarded  in  1813  and  some  companies  of  volunteers  under  Brigadier 
General  Joseph  Bloomfield  started  south  to  protect  the  approaches  of  the  city.  The 
news  of  the  landing  of  the  army,  the  sack  of  Washington  and  the  advance  upon 
Baltimore  in  the  next  year  created  the  greatest  excitement.  Able-bodied  citizens 
went  out  each  morning  to  work  upon  the  redoubts  which  were  planned  to  guard 
the  southern  roads.  The  militiamen,  formed  into  picturesque  companies, — prominent 
among  which  was  one  still  in  existence  at  this  day,  the  State  Fencibles — went  into  camp 
ready  for  duty  at  need.  At  last  the  unsuccessful  bombardment  of  Fort  McHenry  and 
the  defeat  of  the  invading  army  near  Baltimore  caused  great  rejoicing  and  Phila- 
delphia was  safe. 

CAST   OF   CHARACTERS 

General  Edmund  Pendleton  Gaines. 

General  Bloomfield. 

General  Thomas  Cadwalader. 

General  Isaac  Worrell. 

Colonel  Clement  C.  Biddle. 

Stephen  Girard. 

David  Parish,  and  other  citizens. 

Messengers. 

State  Fencibles,  Washington  Guards,  and  other  mihtia  companies. 

A  mob  of  men,  women  and  children. 

CHORUS 

Once  more  to  arms  the  country  calls. 

Once  more  o'er  fertile  plain  and  mountain. 
Hark !  how  the  martial  summons  falls 

Athwart  the  visage  of  each  placid  fountain. 
Up  freemen  in  your  might 
For  God  and  for  the  right 
Drive  out  the  foe. 

The  areiva  represents  a  square  in  the  city.  The  scene  is  suggested  by  one  of 
Krimmel's  pictures  of  a  Philadelphia  crowd  at  this  period.  Military  companies  are 
marching  and  there  is  much  commotion.  Prominent  among  these  are  the  newly 
formed  State  Fencibles  and  the  Washington  Guards,  a  crack  Federalist  company. 
A  procession  of  men  with  spades  and  mattocks  thrown  over  their  shoidders,  and 
food  in  knapsacks  on  their  backs,  start  off  for  work  on  the  redoubts. 


The    Words    of   the   Pageant  49 

The  horn  of  an  express  is  heard.  He  comes  up  to  the  front  of  the  Held  and 
shouts,  "The  British  have  landed  at  North  Point!  They  are  headed  for  Balti- 
more!" 

Shouts  of  derision  and  defiance.  Men  seize  arms.  The  militia  companies 
pass  off  as  though  going  to  the  war,  the  women  waving  their  farewells. 

In  a  little  while  another  express  rides  in  on  a  foaming  steed.  The  people 
press  around  him.  He  shouts,  "The  British  have  been  defeated  at  North  Point, 
and  their  general,  Lord  Ross,  is  killed!"  Cheers  are  heard  on  all  sides.  "Huzza 
for  the  brave  Baltimoreans!"  "Our  city  is  safe!"  etc.  An  old  " seventy-six er^' 
waves  his  hands  and  is  follozved  by  a  crozvd  of  boys  as  he  goes  off  to  announce  the 
news  in  other  parts  of  the  city.  The  militia  companies  again  come  upon  the  field 
bearing  the  American  flag.  The  bands  play  the  first  chords  of  the  "The  Star 
Spangled  Banner."    The  music  is  taken  up  by  the  Chorus: 

"Oh  !  say  can  you  see  by  the  dawn's  early  light, 

What  so  proudly  we  hail'd  at  the  twilight's  last  gleaming, 

Whose  stripes  and  bright  stars  thro'  the  perilous  fight, 

O'er  the  ramparts  we  watch'd,  were  so  gallantly  streaming ; 

And  the  rocket's  red  glare,  the  bombs  bursting  in  air. 
Gave  proof  thro'  the  night  that  our  flag  was  still  there. 

Chorus — "Oh !  say,  does  that  star-spangled  banner  yet  wave, 
O'er  the  land  of  the  free  and  the  home  of  the  brave ! 

"Oh,  thus  be  it  ever  when  freemen  shall  stand 

Between  their  lov'd  home  and  the  war's  desolation ; 

Blest  with  vict'ry  and  peace,  may  the  heav'n  rescued  land 
Praise  the  Power  that  hath  made  and  preserved  us  a  nation. 

Then  conquer  we  must,  for  our  cause  it  is  just. 
And  this  be  our  motto,  'In  God  is  our  trust.' 

Chorus — "And  the  star-spangled  banner  in  triumph  shall  wave, 
While  the  land  of  the  free  is  the  home  of  the  brave !" 


50  The   Historical   Pageant 


EPISODE    VIII 


HISTORICAL    NOTE 

In  1824  Lafayette  revisited  the  United  States.  He  was  accompanied  by  his  son, 
George  Washington  Lafayette.  He  came  to  Philadelphia  late  in  September  and  was 
the  recipient  of  a  round  of  attentions.  The  survivors  of  the  Revolutionary  era  were 
gathered  to  welcome  him.  He  was  met  at  the  end  of  the  Trenton  bridge  by  the  military 
and  escorted  into  the  city  under  arches,  amid  transparencies,  through  hurrahing  crowds. 
The  First  City  Troop  and  the  Washington  Grays  had  the  prominent  places  around 
Lafayette's  barouche.  Not  in  many  years,  if  ever,  had  the  city  known  such  a  cele- 
bration. 

CAST  OF  CHARACTERS 

General  Lafayette. 

George  Washington  Lafayette. 

Governor  Shulze. 

Judge  Richard  Peters,  of  Belmont. 

Mayor  Watson. 

Joseph  S.  Lewis. 

William  Rush. 

John  M.  Scott. 

Aquila  a.  Browne. 

James  Wilmer. 

Benjamin  Tilghman. 

John  Swift. 

Other  prominent  citizens. 

A  crowd  of  men,  women  and  children. 

Washington  Grays  and  other  military  companies. 


^  Members  of  the  Committee  of  Councils. 


CHORUS 

He  comes  again  as  in  our  direst  need 

He  came  to  succor  a  fast  fading  cause ; 
He  comes,  the  witness  of  a  glorious  deed 

To  meet  a  people's  unrestrained  applause, — 
To  breathe  the  fragrance  of  the  flower  whose  seed 
His  patriot  hands  deep  planted  in  our  laws, 

Hail  to  the  friend  who  heard  our  country's  cry, 
Great  Lafayette,  our  Washington's  ally ! 


The  scene  shows  the  reception  to  Lafayette  in  Philadelphia  in  1824.  The 
"Nation's  Guest,"  with  Judge  Peters,  occupies  a  barouche.  His  son,  George 
Washington  Lafayette,  follows  in  another  carriage.     They  are  escorted  by  troops. 


The    Words    of   the    Pageant  51 

On  transparencies  are  seen  "A  Nation's  Welcome  to  Freedom's  Friend,"  "Wel- 
come to  the  Nation's  Guest,"  "Yorktown,  Monmouth  and  Brandywine,"  etc. 
Lafayette  hozvs  his  acknowledgments. 

In  front  of  the  stand  Lafayette  dismounts  and  proposes  a  toast: 

"The  City  of  Philadelphia — where  American  Independence  was  first  pro- 
claimed and  where  the  holy  alliance  of  public  order  with  popular  institutions  is 
every  day  happily  demonstrated." 

He  reenters  his  carriage  and  all  move  off  to  the  strains  of  a  march. 


52  The   Historical   Pageant 


EPILOGUE 


HISTORICAL    NOTE 

The  growth  of  the  city  was  continuous,  but  in  government  the  people  came  under 
29  separate  jurisdictions.  The  old  city  lying  between  the  Delaware  and  the  Schuylkill 
and  Vine  and  South  Streets  had  a  population  in  1850  of  121,376.  The  county  had 
408,762  inhabitants.  Where  the  city  ended  and  the  suburbs  began  could  not  be 
determined  by  the  eye.  Houses  extended  in  unbroken  blocks  north  of  Vine  street 
and  south  of  South  street,  but  the  people  were  politically  separate.  Included  in  the 
county  were  ten  corporations,  six  boroughs  and  thirteen  townships.  The  corporations 
were  the  old  city  and  the  districts  of  Southwark,  Northern  Liberties,  Kensington, 
Spring  Garden,  Penn,  Moyamensing,  Richmond,  West  Philadelphia  and  Belmont;  the 
six  boroughs,  Germantown,  Frankford,  Manayunk,  Bridesburg,  Whitehall  and  Ara- 
mingo;  the  thirteen  townships,  Passyunk,  Blockley,  Kingsessing,  Roxborough,  Gei- 
mantown,  Bristol,  Oxford,  Moreland,  Byberry,  Northern  Liberties,  Penn,  Lower 
Dublin  and  Delaware.  The  evils  of  divided  authority  with  the  rioting  fire  companies 
and  their  ruffianly  adherents  were  at  length  too  great  to  be  borne  any  longer  and 
in  1854  all  the  districts,  boroughs  and  townships  were  consolidated  with  the  city. 
The   city   became  coterminous   with  the  county  and  a   new  era  had   begun. 

The  orchestra  gives  the  theme  of  the  psalm'  to  he  sung,  and  the  Chorus  sings: 

CHORUS 

God  of  our  fathers,  in  whose  palm 

Lie  all  the  fates  of  all  the  years, 
Whose  voice  hath  bid  the  sea  be  calm 

And  sealed  the  founts  of  all  men's  tears ; 
Grant  to  the  city  of  our  love 

The  greatness  that  doth  spring  from  Thee. 
The  civic  pride  that  soars  above 

The  petty  strifes  of  policy : 
Give  heed  to  our  ascending  psalm 

And  turn  to  trust  our  sordid  fears, 
God  of  our  fathers,  in  whose  palm 

Lie  all  the  fates  of  all  the  vears. 


SEMI-CHORUS  (Remembrance) 

For  thou  hast  bid  the  sea  be  calm 

And  sealed  the  founts  of  all  men's  tears. 


SEMI-CHORUS  (Aspiration) 

And  thou  wilt  hearken  to  our  psalm 
And  turn  to  trust  our  sordid  fears. 


The    Words    of   the   Pageant  53 

FULL  CHORUS 
City  of  ref^al  diadems, 

From  history  claim  thy  just  renown, 
And  gather  up,  like  scattered  gems, 

The  jewels  to  stud  a  flawless  crown ; 
Take  to  thy  breast  these  daughters  fair 

Whose  being  is  a  part  of  thee, 
While  down  the  aisles  of  lambent  air 

Float  swelling  strains  of  melody. 
Thy  onward  march  no  envy  stems 

Nor  any  voice  thy  song  can  drown, 
City  of  regal  diadems 

Whose  brows  support  a  flawless  crown. 

SEMI-CHORUS  (Remembrance) 

For  thou  hast  garnered  scattered  gems 
To  glorify  thy  flawless  crown. 

SEMI-CHORUS  (Aspiration) 

And  thou  shalt  wear  new  diadems 

While  men  shall  sing  thy  just  renown. 

A  herald,  mounted  on  a  richly  caparisoned  horse,  rides  into  the  arena  from 
the  northzvest  corner  of  the  Held.  After  a  blast  on  his  trumpet,  he  announces  in 
a  loud  voice  the  names  of  the  coming  Districts:  Spring  Garden,  the  borough  of 
Gerniantozvn,  Germantozvn  Tozvnship,  Penn  Tozimship,  South  Penn,  Manayunk, 
Roxborough.  He  pauses  after  each  name,  and  the  symbolical  figure  of  the  dis- 
trict or  borough  appears. 

Similarly  another  Herald  rides  in  from  the  northeast  corner  of  the  field.  He 
gives  a  blast  on  his  trumpet,  and  announces:  The  District  of  Northern  Liberties, 
the  Tozvnship  of  Northern  Liberties,  Kensington,  Aramingo,  White  Hall.  Lozver 
Dublin,  Delazvare,  Moreland,  Byberry,  Richmond,  Frankford,  Bridesburg,  Bristol, 
Oxford.     The  symbolical  figures  appear  as  in  the  former  instance. 

A  Herald  rides  in  from  the  southzcest  corner  of  the  field,  and  after  a  trumpet 
blast  announces:  West  Philadelphia,  Belmont,  Blockley,  Kingsessing.  The  figures 
appear  as  announced. 

Again  a  hierald  rides  in  from  the  southeast  corner  of  the  Held,  gizing 
a  trumpet  blast  announcing:  Southzvark,  Moyamensing,  Passyunk.  The 
figures  appear  as  announced. 

Nozv  a  matronly  figure  is  seen.  She  represents  Philadelphia.  The  several 
districts  form  around  her. 

The  figure  "Philadelphia"  ascends  a  platform  at  back,  and  the  sez'eral  dis- 
tricts are  grouped  or  form  a  pyramid  about  her.  The  national  and  the  city 
colors  are  broken  out  from  fiag  poles  at  the  rear,  the  bands  playing  "America." 


54  The   Historical   Pageant 


As  this  ceases,  the  Chorus,  accompanied  by  the  orchestra,  sings: 

CHORUS 

God  of  our  fathers  in  whose  palm 

Lie  all  the  fates  of  all  the  years, 
Give  heed  to  our  ascending  psalm 

And  turn  to  trust  our  sordid  fears. 

SEMI-CHORUS   (Remembrance) 

For  Thou  hast  bid  the  sea  be  calm 

And  sealed  the  founts  of  all  men's  tears. 

SEMI-CHORUS  (Aspiration) 

And  Tliou  wilt  hearken  to  our  psalm 
And  turn  to  trust  our  sordid  fears. 

CHORUS 

City  of  regal  diadems, 

From  history  claim  thy  just  renown. 
And  gather  up,  like  scattered  gems, 

The  jewels  to  stud  a  flawless  crown. 

SEMI-CHORUS    (Remembrance) 

Thy  onward  march  no  envy  stems. 
Nor  any  voice  thy  song  can  drown, 

SEMI-CHORUS  (Aspiration) 

City  of  regal  diadems. 

Whose  brows  support  a  flawless  crown. 

CHORUS 

Give  heed  to  our  ascending  psalm. 

And  turn  to  trust  our  sordid  fears, 
God  of  our  fathers  in  whose  palm 

Lie  all  the  fates  of  all  the  years. 

All  the  performers  enter  and  are  given  their  places  upon  the  Held  for  a  grand 
tableau.  One  line  after  another  is  put  into  motion,  and  the  performers  in  proces- 
sion pass  before  the  grand  stand,  and  off  the  field.  The  symbolical  figures  remain 
in  position  while  the  "March  Past"  progresses  and  are  the  last  to  leave  the  scene. 


UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA  LIBRARY 

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